|
Central 27, Midd. North 24
Published in the Asbury Park Press 9/29/00
STAFF REPORT
MIDDLETOWN -- Central picked up their first win of the season against
Middletown North last night, 27-24, by combining a big-play offense with
a bend-don't-break defense.
In a see-saw game that had its share of turnovers, penalties, explosive
offense and timely defense, the Golden Eagles ended the game on top
thanks to the running of junior Gus Ottoson and the arm and legs of
junior quarterback Patrick Ramsey.
Middletown North fumbled on their second play from scrimmage and
Central quickly capitalized.
On third-and-goal from the 4, Ramsay ran a quarterback keeper around
right end for the quick six points.
Middletown North's Billy Lyons returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards
for a touchdown, but it got called back on a Lion penalty.
Still, the Lions were able to put together a solid drive which ended
in a 1-yard keeper from quarterback Kevin Farrell.
After an exchange of downs, Ottoson exploded through the line for a
rumbling 65-yard touchdown run with 10:43 left in the half.
"The hole just opened up and I just kept pumping my legs,"
said Ottoson.
On the next drive Lyons scored from 15 yards out to bring the Lions
to within one, but the Eagles fought back again after a Ramsay 54-yard
pass to a wide-open Justin Boardman gave Central first-and-goal at the
North 4-yard-line. Ramsay took it in for six, and after North's Ryan
McLaughlin kicked a 31-yard field goal, the half ended with Central up
21-16.
The second half began with more offensive fireworks for Central as
Ramsay connected with Paul Barna for a 70-yard touchdown on the third
play of the half.
"They were playing me close all game," said
Barna.
"Pat made a nice ball and I just caught it and ran."
Middletown North pulled to with a score when Dan DeRisi exploded
through a wide-open hole for a 50-yard touchdown jaunt later in the
quarter. But despite numerous chances later in the fourth, the Lions
offense couldn't capitalize.
That was mostly due to the gutsy defensive effort of the Eagles, as
they held the Lions scoreless in the fourth quarter when it mattered
most.
"It was a heck of a football game," said Central Dan
Duddy.
"North is a fantastic football team and their runner (Lyons) is the
best we have faced, and that includes Neptune. But we grew up tonight as
a team. We made key first down when we needed to and held them in the
fourth quarter. There was a lot of bending on both sides, but we just
didn't break."
-- Rich Toland
from the Asbury Park Press
Published on September 29, 2000
|
