Muskies drop heartbreaker against Carthage 27-21
New look behind center has offense moving the ball more efficiently
Jake Frias
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Sports
"First Down Muskies!" was heard many times from the announcer on Sept. 20 as the Muskies took on the Red Men of Carthage. With 677 spectators in attendance at Taylor Memorial field, on a hot and sunny day, the Muskies gave one heck of a show, despite a heartbreaking 27-21 loss.
"We took it in stride. The team realized that the game was there for the taking, but we came up short due to some [errors] down the stretch," said head coach Kevin Doherty.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Muskies brought a new face to the game at the quarterback position. Sophomore Jake Dworak shined in his first career college start as he completed 20 of 43 passes for 283 yards, along with two touchdowns.
Catching those TD's for the Muskies were Matt Pawlyk and Isaiah Calhoun. Pawlyk had seven total receptions for 99 yards. Also contributing to the receiving core was senior Jacob Heinemeyer, who had four receptions for 85 yards.
"We moved and controlled the ball really well," said Doherty.
Despite giving up 21 total points, the defense still looked their normal, 'dark side' self. Senior linebacker Brent Miller started things with an interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. According to Doherty, this was a major spark in momentum for the Muskies.
Also contributing with interceptions was Keith Woodson, Stephan Johnson, and Isaiah Calhoun. Woodson also led the team with 14 total tackles.
The tightly knit defensive line came for blood with Mike Nerat and Kellen Grott sacking the quarterback on separate occasions.
"Our goal is to collapse the pocket 75% of the time," said defensive line coach Sam Scharinger.
A key turning point in the game came in the second quarter when Carthage ran back a kickoff for a touchdown. Despite going into halftime with a 21-12 lead, the Muskies were never able to get the wind back in their sails in the second half.
According to Doherty, the team will take advantage of their "Bye" week this weekend and rest up. The Muskies are looking forward to the start of conference play on Oct. 4 as they take on Rockford College for their homecoming game.
"We took it in stride. The team realized that the game was there for the taking, but we came up short due to some [errors] down the stretch," said head coach Kevin Doherty.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Muskies brought a new face to the game at the quarterback position. Sophomore Jake Dworak shined in his first career college start as he completed 20 of 43 passes for 283 yards, along with two touchdowns.
Catching those TD's for the Muskies were Matt Pawlyk and Isaiah Calhoun. Pawlyk had seven total receptions for 99 yards. Also contributing to the receiving core was senior Jacob Heinemeyer, who had four receptions for 85 yards.
"We moved and controlled the ball really well," said Doherty.
Despite giving up 21 total points, the defense still looked their normal, 'dark side' self. Senior linebacker Brent Miller started things with an interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. According to Doherty, this was a major spark in momentum for the Muskies.
Also contributing with interceptions was Keith Woodson, Stephan Johnson, and Isaiah Calhoun. Woodson also led the team with 14 total tackles.
The tightly knit defensive line came for blood with Mike Nerat and Kellen Grott sacking the quarterback on separate occasions.
"Our goal is to collapse the pocket 75% of the time," said defensive line coach Sam Scharinger.
A key turning point in the game came in the second quarter when Carthage ran back a kickoff for a touchdown. Despite going into halftime with a 21-12 lead, the Muskies were never able to get the wind back in their sails in the second half.
According to Doherty, the team will take advantage of their "Bye" week this weekend and rest up. The Muskies are looking forward to the start of conference play on Oct. 4 as they take on Rockford College for their homecoming game.
Be the first to comment on this story