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Middletown North rebounds
Published in the Asbury Park Press 10/07/00
By RICH TOLAND
CORRESPONDENT
MIDDLETOWN -- Middletown North coach John Oxley was feeling a bit
nervous before last night's Shore Conference Constitution Division
matchup with Neptune.
After a tough home loss to Central last week, Oxley knew this was a
pivotal game for his team. But, as the final seconds ticked off the
scoreboard, his nervousness had morphed into exhilaration after his
Lions shut out the Scarlet Fliers 12-0.
After a scoreless first half, the Lions unleashed a power running
game while their defense, led by linebackers Matt Walling and Phil Zuena,
continually clogged the line of scrimmage and swarmed to the ball as if
on a mission. According to Walling, the Lions were on a mission -- one
to gain respect.
"We had to get it done tonight," Walling said. "We
knew we were a better team than the one that played last week (a 27-24
loss to Central)."
Added Zuena, "We had to step it up. It was a challenge for us,
and we came out to win."
Neptune (2-3) entered last night's game boasting the Shore's
second-rated offense. But the Lions (3-2) also have had some offensive
success lately, and that trend continued last night as Billy Lyons
rushed for more than 100 yards for the fourth straight game.
Lyons (29 carries, 120 yards) and his offensive mates started to take
control on the first drive of the second half, going 61 yards on 11
plays to break a scoreless tie. Lyons carried the ball seven times on
the drive and, on first-and-goal from the 3, senior quarterback Kevin
Farrell went off tackle for the first score.
Neptune was forced to punt on its next drive and the Lions' offense
again went to work. Starting from the Neptune 40, the Lions again turned
to Lyons. The sophomore, running with a full head of steam, led the
Lions down to the 13. On third-and-five, fullback Walling followed a
bruising block by tackle Rob DeMarco and raced into the end zone. The
Lions' try for a two-point PAT failed. But it didn't matter as North's
defense seemed to play better as the game continued into the fourth
quarter.
"We feel like we are one of the best-conditioned teams around,
and it helped us in the second half," DeMarco said.
The Fliers were limited to just two first downs in the second half
while the Lions moved the chains 10 times.
"Going into the game, I felt if we played well, we would have a
chance to win," Oxley said. "But never in a million years did
I think we would shut out Neptune. Winning this game was a huge step for
us. It was big for our confidence."
from the Asbury Park Press
Published on October 7, 2000 |
