West Catholic Game Summary

9-12-09

West Catholic 35, Penn Charter 7

West Wallops Quakers Early and Often

    Showing glimpses of last year’s offensive juggernaut, the Burrs scored early and often to put away Penn Charter in a non-league contest this past Saturday night. West scored four touchdowns in the opening quarter and needed just eleven offensive plays to inflict the damage. The victory allowed the Burrs to capture their second win in as many weeks.

     Before the Burrs’ offense even put their hands on the ball, they needed their defense to step-up big. Thanks to a long run, the Quakers were looking at a first-and-goal from the West four-yard line. However, senior linebacker Dante Dickens beautifully read a play-action pass play to make an interception in the end zone. This was Dickens’ second pick in as many weeks.

     Immediately after the interception, diminutive, but speedy junior running back Joshua Mathis roared through the line, shrugged off an early tackle attempt, then zoomed away from the Penn Charter defense for a blazing 80-yard touchdown.

     From this point the defense would force three straight three-and-outs and subsequent punts. This is all the offense would need to get the momentum rolling in the Burrs favor.

     The Burrs second possession ended with a lovely 50-yard scoring pass from senior quarterback Jarred Evens to junior wide receiver Quran Kent. Evans displayed good zip on the throw and Kent used his speed to beat a Quaker defensive back to end zone, making the score 14-0.

     The score would ascend to 21-0, after Mathis turned his second touch of the game into a 45-yard touchdown. In the middle of the run, Mathis used a crippling cutback to spin a helpless Penn Charter pursuer and dazzle the crowd.

     The final Burr foray of the opening frame came on the last play of the quarter. Again, it was the Evans-to-Kent combination doing the damage. This time they hooked up on a 31-yard touchdown to the right-side of the end zone.

     In the opening quarter alone the Burrs accumulated 290 yards of offense, on just eleven plays. Eight of these plays went for first downs.

     In the second quarter, senior defensive lineman Ravone Stokes forced a fumble on a Penn Charter punt return. Kent was nearby to make the recovery at the West 45-yard line. Afterwards, it took the Burrs just three plays to make the score, 35-0. An Evans-to-Kent 39-yard pass play put the ball at the Quaker 12-yard line. Then, on a nicely executed fade pass, Evans found junior wide receiver on a 12-yard pass.

     When the second quarter clock expired, the Burrs still commanded a 35-0 lead. Thus, they put the 35-point mercy rule (Running clock) in affect for the second half.

     West wouldn’t score in the second half, as many younger kids got an opportunity to see some action. Penn Charter avoided the shutout on a 30-yard touchdown pass with about four-minutes left on the game clock.

     All total, the Burrs ripped-off 499 yards of offense on 45 plays. Both the passing and running games were clicking on all cylinders in this game.

    Evans did all of his throwing in the opening half and finished, 7-for-10, for 182 yards and 3 scores. Kent was on the receiving end of five of these completions, which was good for 148 yards. Mathis turned his ten totes into 180 yards rushing, while junior running back Brandon Hollomon complimented him with 55 yards on 6 carries.

     The Burrs skill people received super support from the boys in the trenches. These members include: sophomore center Dominic DiGalbo, senior guards Jake Zuzek and Marcus Burwell, senior tackle Erik Harper, and junior tackles Rodney Linder. Also helping the cause were junior tight end Jim Lynch and junior fullbacks Elijah Staton and Albert Campbell.

     Defensively, the defensive line was stout all night. Senior John Ruppert was a force with a sack and two other tackles for losses. Junior linebacker Anthony McDonnaugh notched a pair of sacks. Dickens, Hollomon, and senior Ray Manuel each registered four tackles apiece. Manuel also had a 51-yard interception return, while senior linebacker Jeremy Richardson and Lynch each recovered a fumble.

     Next week, the Burrs will travel to Springfield High in Montgomery County to take on an excellent LaSalle team. The game is scheduled for Friday night at 7 o’clock. LaSalle is the defending 4A Catholic League champions. Last year, the Burrs lost a final-minute heartbreaker to the Explorers, 27-26. LaSalle is also (2-0) and have outscored their opponents 84-to-7 in those two wins.