Under a cloudy and threatening sky on Aug. 25, the Scarborough Middle School Red Storm quickly let the Bonny Eagle Scots know they were in for a tough game as Matt Brown returned the opening kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown to open the Storm’s 2007 defense of last year’s state title.
Scarborough would go on to win the game 33-19.
The defending SMYFL Gold Ball Champions’ special teams made their impact known early in the game – and with their performance in the second half, fans would see that the first touchdown was no fluke.
But with the score 6-0 Scarborough, Bonny Eagle showed that they came to play and squeaked ahead of the champs with a touchdown from the 1-yard line to tie the game, taking a 7-6 lead with the successful point after kick.
After the half, the skies cleared and the Red Storm stopped a Bonny Eagle drive, setting up a punt that Brown brought back for 50 yards, setting up a 30 yard touchdown pass to Conor McCann from quarterback Ben Wessel. Following McCann’s successful two-point conversion, the Red Storm had a 13-7 lead.
The lead didn’t last long however as Bonny Eagle quickly scored again on the ensuing Red Storm kickoff, but that didn’t deflate the spirits of the locals as Brown answered by following strong blocking and bringing back the kickoff for an 80-yard return for another touchdown.
“I am so proud of these fine student-athletes and especially the execution of our special teams so early in the season.” said head coach George Spino. “Certainly I saw things that we need to work on and this week to shore up those areas for Sunday’s game. But this teams ability to play hard for all four quarters in the heat and humidity, and the conditioning and energy they all showed makes it a privilege to be their coach.”
Spino said that the win could also be credited to outstanding line play on both sides of the ball, with Logan Mars, Zachary Sheckley, Conor McCann, Scotty Thibeault and Kellen Smith all having a great first game. Also noted was the performance by special teams kicker Tony DiBiase who kept the Scots within their 20-yard line all day, including one touchback.
The Scarborough JV also won their game, keeping the Bonny Eagle JV Scots scoreless in a 22 – 0 game featuring great plays by Dillon Russo and Adam Eck.
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Running back Matt Brown on his way to one of three touchdowns for the day in Scarborough Middle School’s 33-19 win over the Bonny Eagle Scots.
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