by From the first snap of the game, the Normandy Invaders just could not find their footing at Byer’s Field Saturday evening. After Normandy’s first drive they were forced to punt and it could not have gone worse for them. After an incredibly high punt, the ball actually bounced behind the line of scrimmage.
The Rangers made a savvy play on special teams when they realized Normandy’s mistake and managed to pick up the ball and run it back for a short touchdown.
On offense, the Rangers starting line-up only attempted two passes, because their ground attack just could not be stopped. It did not matter who they handed the ball to, made evident by the 6 rushing touchdowns they racked up from 4 different ball carriers.
On the defensive side of the ball the Rangers spent most of the game in the Invader’s backfield either sacking the quarterback or stuffing rushing attempts. The Ranger’s D held the Invader offense to less than 65 total yards. Despite the score, and lack of production, the Invaders had a young man who appeared to be the future of their organization.
A Diamond in the Rough
The Invaders ran most of their offense through 6-1 240 pound freshman running-back Elijah Gray. Gray had 10 carries and ended with minus 8 yards on the ground. The run defense of the Rangers had the Invader offensive line on roller skates all game, making life difficult for Gray.
In the 2 games prior to Saturday’s game Gray has been used as a versatile gadget player. Gray was responsible for the longest play Normandy managed via a 27 yard catch from quarter-back Austin Mireles. Gray failed to get himself going on the ground but displayed a tremendous amount of power for such a young man.
Gray showed his versatility on a trick play in the second half when his quarterback lateraled the ball to him and Gray let loose a roughly 30 yard pass that if caught would have finally put the Invaders on the board. The future is bright for Elijah Gray, he should continue to develop and has a ton of high school football ahead of him.
Dominance on the Ground to the End
The Invaders were unable to slow down the Rangers ground game through the entire game. Senior running-back Dom Farago was a force to be reckoned with. Farago pounded the rock 13 times in the first half for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns averaging well over 10 yards a carry. If Farago was the “thunder” of the Ranger’s ground game then Kosta “The Greek Freak” Thrasivoulou was the “lightning”.
Kosta carried the ball 5 times for 59 yards and a touchdown displaying remarkable speed in comparison to Farago’s gritty power running. Kaleb Malone came in to give Farago and Kosta a break and managed to go for 2 touchdowns and 51 yards on just 4 carries The damage continued into the 4th quarter even after the Rangers sat most of their starters.
Wide receiver Andrew Ennis took a jet sweep 95 yards to the house after a penalty stuck the Rangers within their own 5 yard line. The Ranger’s offensive line and receiving core made all this possible through remarkable high-motor blocking.
Excellent report.
Don’t forget Bella! A great kicker!
Definitely! Bella is a great story, 10/10 on the year I also saw her hitting some kicks in practice around 30 yards with ease.