Comets blank Mounts
- 02 October 2010
Total domination.That is the only way to describe the performance of the Penn Manor defense Friday night in its 21-0 [boxscore] shutout of Ephrata.
One fourth-quarter possession epitomized the Comets' defensive effort. After falling behind 14-0 in the fourth quarter, Ephrata hoped to strike quickly and get back into the game. Those hopes were dashed quickly as the Comets registered a 9-yard sack, a stop in the backfield for a 11-yard loss, and then another sack, this time for a four-yard loss.
"This was our best week of practice, and this group has a lot of passion for football," Penn Manor head coach Todd Mealy said. "They don't quit."
In all, Penn Manor (1-1, 2-3) limited the Mounts (0-2, 2-3) to 44 yards rushing on 30 attempts while allowing three first downs, only one of which came after the game's first drive.
Penn Manor's offense was stifled most of the night, but caught stride in the fourth quarter when quarterback Adam Sahd connected with Demetrius Dixon for a 27-yard scoring strike to put the Comets ahead 14-0.
Teon Lee scored from a yard out a few minutes later to provide the final margin of victory.
"Our offense got confidence as the game moved along, and the run really opened up the pass," Mealy said.
Sahd struggled to move the Comet offense in the first half, but his powerful punting proved to be the difference in a tight game.
"Our coaching staff preaches the importance of special teams," said Mealy. "We were able to control field position the whole first half."
Midway through the second quarter, Sahd boomed a 61-yard punt that the Comets downed at the Ephrata 3-yard line. After forcing a three-and-out, Penn Manor took over deep in Mountaineer territory.
Lee took over from there, using his physical running style to grind out yards. His 13-yard dash broke a scoreless tie and gave Penn Manor a 7-0 lead.
The first quarter and a half was a battle of field position that featured physical running and dominating defense.
The Comets started off fast, driving down field on a series of sweeps by Garrett Young to move inside the Ephrata 10. A fumbled pitch, however, ended the scoring threat.
Meanwhile, Ephrata's defense held strong, allowing six first downs but only seven first-half points despite being on the field for most of the half.
We here at www.ephratamounts.com are proud sponsors of the Dodgeball for Diabetes tournament.