West Catholic Game Summary
9-18-09
LaSalle 16, West Catholic 14
Burrs Fall Short Versus Top Ranked Explorers
In a game dubbed the Christian Brothers’ brawl, the Burrs fell just a little short in this early-season match-up between Catholic League powers. LaSalle did just enough to eek out a hard-fought 16-14 victory.
A season ago the Burrs lost to the Explorers in excruciating fashion, 27-26. This year the Burrs entered the game as the hunters, as the Explorers are ranked in many people’s Top 5 across the state. Furthermore, LaSalle is a 4A, or larger enrollment school.
After a scoreless first quarter, the initial points were put on the scoreboard by the Explorers, just past the midway point of the second quarter. A 57-yard punt return by LaSalle helped set-up a 15-yard scoring pass for the game’s first touchdown.
The Burrs would strike right back, though; as they held the ball for ten plays and traveled 75 yards to tie the game. Senior quarterback Jarred Evans found a streaking junior wide receiver Quran Kent coming across the middle of the field. The speedy Kent outran the Explorer defense for a 14-yard touchdown.
At halftime, the score remained, 6-6. However, the Burrs were kicking themselves for not putting more points on the board. West held a 195-to-25 advantage in total yards, but costly penalties prevented them from finishing a couple of drives.
Early in the third quarter, a LaSalle running back ripped off a 54-yard run to bring the ball to the Burr 5-yard line. Afterwards, good defense and costly LaSalle penalty pushed the Explorers back. Thus, having them settle for a 22-yard field goal and a 9-6 lead.
LaSalle would extend the lead to 16-6 on an early fourth quarter touchdown.
Later in the fourth, the Burrs inched closer when they marched 63 yards on four plays. Junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong-Rankin brought down a 15-yard fade pass from Evans. Junior running back Brandon Hollomon flew into the end zone to add the conversion run. This made the score 16-14, with 4:31left.
Next, the Explorers marched to the Burr 14-yard line, but West stiffened and nicely defended a gadget play on fourth down.
With 1:56 left, the Burrs took over on downs at their 14-yard line with the game in the balance. However, disaster struck on first down when Evans was sacked back at the one-yard line. Two plays later, the Burrs fumbled away a chance at a winning drive with 56.7 seconds remaining.
Overall, the Burrs played a sound game, but 11 penalties resulting in 100 yards was their Achilles’ heel on this night.
The Burr defense limited the explosive Explorer offense to just 182 total yards, including 51 yards on 22 carries. West sacked the Explorer quarterback five times in the game. Leading the defense were senior linebackers Bill Tobin (2 sacks; 5 tackles) and Dante Dickens (2 sacks, 7 tackles). Junior defensive end Jim Lynch was in on three TFL’s, including a sack. Others who played a prominent roles were; senior defensive back Ray Manuel (5 stops), Hollomon (four), and junior linebacker Anthony McDonnaugh (four).
Offensively, Evans was magnificent, going 17-for-24, with 237 passing yards. He was very instrumental in orchestrating the Burr offense to the tome of 357 yards and 16 first downs. Three Burr players had at least four receptions; Hollomon (7-83), Strong-Rankin (5-92), and Kent (4-50). Junior Running back Joshua Mathis (11-46) and Hollomon (8-51) paced the ground attack.
This West football program is well beyond moral victories, but even in this loss they can feel good about themselves and build upon this experience. LaSalle is a high quality team and the game was played in front of large and electric crowd. This valuable experience will help them in their ultimate quest, which is once again to make considerable noise in this year’s state playoffs.
Nest weekend the Burrs will do battle against Archbishop Carroll in the team’s first league game. The game is scheduled for Saturday night at Radnor’s Prevost Field. Start time is 7:30. Carroll enters the game (1-2) and are coming off their first win of the year.