RIGHT DOWN TO THE WIRE

In a see-saw battle in New Orleans last year, it was turnovers that played the biggest role for both clubs. Newman took the early lead on their opening drive marching 58 yards in 5 plays. Newman’s Phil Hoffman went in from 30 yards out for the game’s first TD. The point after made it 7-0 at the 9:32 mark in the opening period.

John Mitchell recovered a Greenie fumble late in the first quarter to set up the Comets first scoring chance. SCC marched to the one on the quarter’s final play, but a fumble on the first play of the second period gave the ball back to Newman and killed what looked to be a sure touchdown for the Comets. SCC would score late in the second quarter when Phillip Hoffman went 40 yards on a screen pass from Nick Monica to set up the first St. Charles Catholic score. Two plays later, Todd Babin went in from the 1. Jason Waguespack’s kick knotted things up at 7. The Comets would take the lead before the half on a Waguespack 36 yard FG. That kick followed back to back to back turnovers in a span of 5 plays as Chris Martin intercepted a Newman pass, two plays later the Comets fumbled it back, and on the very next play Kevin Blank intercepted a pass caused by Dustin Braud’s pressure. SCC owned a 10-7 half time lead.

Newman duplicating their first half feat in the second half. Dwayne Jones galloped 58 yards on the Greenies first possession in the third quarter. Todd Rhoden’s PAT gave the Greenies a 14-10 lead. Newman stretched the lead to 20-10 on a Will Walter TD catch. The point after was blocked to leave it at 20-10 early in the fourth.

SCC would rally for a pair of scores in the fourth. Chris Martin set up another Waguespack field goal with his second interception of the night. Jason’s 44 yard kick narrowed the margin to 20-13. The STING gave the Comets great field position as they held Newman and gave the BLUE THUNDER the ball at the Greenie 46. Monica hit Kip Verbeek 5 plays later on a 23 yard touchdown strike. A bad center to holder snap exchange resulted in a missed extra point that left SCC trailing by one. The Comets recovered a perfectly executed on sides kick and continued the rally. Newman held on a fourth down and 2 conversion attempt that stopped the SCC comeback bid and made the final 20-19, Newman.

 

GREENIE PREVIEW

The Newman Greenies have built some confidence with a pair of back to back wins themselves. Just like the Comets last week, Newman went into overtime to secure their second straight victory. This rivalry between the two schools has been very competitive in the past. Newman will use many formations within their very balanced attack. Greenie mistakes will be minimal as they are an excellently coached club. They are a large team with a good running QB in #1 Marsh Mosley (5’11, 175lbs., SR), big running backs #12 Miles Clements (6’0, 215lbs., JR) at tailback and #43 Tres Cossaboom (6’0, 175lbs. FR) at fullback. The Greeines have very quick wide receivers in #10 Phil Cossich (6’0, 175lbs., SO) and #7 Hunter Powell (6’0, 175lbs. SR). They average well over 220 pounds up front. Court Robinson (#55, 5’11, 205lbs., SR) and #63 Will Ensent (5’10, 230lbs., JR) are the guards. Ryan O’Dwyer (#65, 6’3, 235lbs., JR) and Andrew Gomila (6’1, 265lbs., SR) are the tackles. Jesse Martin (#52, 6’3, 190lbs., SR) is the anchor at center. Scheduled to start at tight end for Newman is #88 Bruce Fowler (6’5, 260lbs., JR).

Defensively they’ll employ a 4-2 look with lots a blitz packages. They’ll use cover 1 and cover 3 primarily, but will also mix in some straight cover 0. Ten of eleven defensive starters are seniors. The lone junior is tackle #76 Pierre Beard (6’0, 225lbs., JR). At the other tackle spot is #77 Andy Nicolas (5’10, 230lbs., SR). The ends are #40 Zach Harvey (6’5, 225lbs., SR) and #35 Hyatt Thompson (6’2, 215lbs., SR). The linebackers will include #44 Davis Webb (6’1, 215lbs., SR), #56 David Kern (5’11, 190lbs., SR), #64 Sam Katz (6’0, 220lbs., SR) and #29 Martin Fischman (5’10, 185lbs., JR). The three man secondary will consist of #32 Michaiel McClure (5’11, 160lbs., SR) and #22 Ryan Skertich (5’10, 175lbs., SR) at corners, with #31 Jimmy Kepper (5’11, 170lbs., SR) at free safety. Todd Rhoden (#8, 5’11, 180lbs., JR) will handle the kicking chores for the Greenies.