Tiger Cubs run over Cadets

Saturday, October 11, 2008

When a team can average more than nine yards per carry, they are likely in for a good night.

That was the case for Greencastle Friday night, as they rushed for 301 yards on 32 carries en rout to a 48-14 homecoming blowout of Cascade.

With teammate Ashton Marshall (23) throwing a helpful block, Greencastle junior Patrick Richardson runs for the first of his three touchdowns.

Ashton Marshall led the GHS (4-4, 4-2 WCC) attack with nine runs for 102 yards and three touchdowns. Patrick Richardson was just behind with 96 yards and three scores on seven carries. Quarterback Jordan Hickam added nine carries for 74 yards.

"I'm really happy with the way we ran the ball," GHS coach Mike Meyer said. "Jordan ran it well, Ashton ran it well and Patrick ran it well. We did what we wanted to do on the ground, which I'm very happy with."

After a punt on the opening series, the Tiger Cubs scored on the next three possessions.

With 7:38 to play in the first, Marshall took a pitch from Hickam and scored on a nine-yard run. The Buzz Deer kick made it 7-0.

Three minutes later, Richardson scored from four yards out to make it 14-0. The run capped an impressive drive in which GHS covered 74 yards in just four plays and 45 seconds.

After a Cascade (0-8, 0-5 WCC) turnover, GHS took possession at the Cadet 32 late in the quarter. Two plays later, Marshall scored on a 29-yards scamper. Deer's kick made it 21-0 with 0:47 to play in the first.

The Tiger Cub defense was also more than holding its own. Although Cascade was able to move the ball at times, Greencastle showed a gift for getting to the ball, as the Cadets fumbled eight times on the night and GHS recovered five of those.

"Defensively, I thought we did a very good job. We shut them out for three quarters. They scored on our young pups," Meyer said.

After opening the second with a pair of three-and-outs, Greencastle once again took advantage of a turnover. This time they took over on the Cadet 39. After an incomplete pass, Richardson covered the entire distance in one run, making it 27-0 with 2:55 until halftime.

On Cascade's next possession, the defense took care of its own scoring. With the Cadet runner stopped for a loss, the ball popped loose, and Kyle Buchanan recovered his third fumble of the night. He took this one 23 yards for a touchdown and a 34-0 lead going into the half.

The third quarter was very efficient for GHS. They kept the ball on the ground, running 9 times for 117 yards and two scores in the period. Marshall scored his third TD on a 22-yard run with 9:01 to play in the half.

Not to be outdone, Richardson scored his third touchdown by pushing through the pile for five yards with 0:29 remaining.

The score stood at 48-0 after three.

With the lead well in hand, Greencastle called in the JV for the fourth quarter, and the Cadet varsity benefited. Nick Hensley had a 16-yard score and Justin Helmick added a 19-yarder with 1:02 to play.

With two straight wins and a .500 record, Meyer's squad is beginning to see the fruits of its labors paying off.

"After we had such a lousy start, our thing was, 'Guys, just hang in there. Keep believing.' They're believing and working hard. They're doing some good things," Meyer said. "I was very happy with the way we played. We're getting a good run together, and we have a good team coming in next week in Owen Valley."

"Can we get better? Yes, we gotta get a little better," he added.

Looking at the Patriots, one sees a team that's had mixed reviews this year, much like GHS. OV also enters the season finale at 4-4.

"They've been up and down like we have. They run the ball very well. They're going to be aggressive up front, and we're going to have to work at it. We gotta get better on run defense, and I think we can do it," Meyer concluded.

Greencastle hosts Owen Valley at 7 p.m. next Friday.

At Greencastle

Cascade 0 0 0 14 -- 14
Greencastle21 13 14 0 -- 48

First quarter

G -- Marshall 9-yd. run (Deer kick) 7:58

G -- Richardson 4-yd. run (Deer kick) 4:37

G -- Marshall 29-yd. run (Deer kick) 0:47

Second Quarter

G -- Richardson 39-yd. run (Deer kick failed) 2:55

G -- Ky. Buchanan 23-yd. fumble ret. (Deer kick) 0:26

Third Quarter

G -- Marshall 22-yd. run (Deer kick) 9:01

G -- Richardson 5-yd. run (Deer kick) 0:29

Fourth Quarter

G -- Hensley 16-yd. run (Laston kick) 3:25

G -- Helmick 19-yd. run (Laston kick) 1:02

TEAM STATS

-CasGHS
First downs1412
Fumbles-lost8-53-1
Penalties-yds3-306-65

INDIVIDUAL STATS

Cascade (0-8, 0-5 WCC):

Rushing (58 carries, 235 yards) -- Helmick 21-130, Al. Arthur 17-31, Hensley 12-85, Arnes 3-(-5), Young 2-11, Bartee 1-(-6), TEAM 1-(-10)

Passing (2-3-0-0, 12 yards) -- Al. Arthur 2-3, 0 TD, 0 INT, 12 yds.

Receiving (2 catches, 12 yards) -- An. Arthur 2-12

Greencastle (4-4, 4-2 WCC):

Rushing (32 carries, 301 yards) -- Marshall 9-102, Hickam 9-74, Richardson 7-96, Ford 2-24, Rickenbaugh 2-6, Hesler 2-1, Battin 1-(-2)

Passing (1-6-0-0, 28 yards) -- Hickam 1-6, 0 TD, 0 INT, 28 yds.

Receiving (1 catch, 28 yards) -- Marshall 1-28

Next game -- Greencastle hosts Owen Valley in the regular season finale at 7 p.m. next Friday.

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  • Awesome game Tiger Cubs! Keep up that intensity for next week to end up with a winning record.

    -- Posted by HelloMcFly on Sat, Oct 11, 2008, at 2:39 PM
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