Warriors fall, 48-28
CHERRY TWP — West Middlesex used a strong ground game to secure a 48-28 victory over Moniteau Friday night.
Eric Lucich carried the Big Reds offense, rushing for more than 100 yards in each half and scored four touchdowns, including three in the second half.
“He is a very talented kid and we were able to get it going tonight,” West Middlesex head coach Ed Roberson said.
The game started with a Moniteau fumble on the first play from scrimmage setting up West Middlesex with good field position.
The Big Reds were able to capitalize on the mistake as Trey Staunch found Dillon Fair with a 7-yard touchdown pass.
After Moniteau punted, it was able to seize some momentum when Cody Skiver leaped over a Big Reds receiver and made a spectacular interception.
“That was a great catch in coverage,” Moniteau head coach Cecil Blauser said. 'I didn't think he was going to get that, but he made a great athletic play.”
On the first play after the turnover Moniteau ran a misdirection play and Josh McBride ran 74 yards down the sideline into the endzone to tie the game.
West Middlesex quickly got the momentum back, though, as it was able to score on the first play after the Warriors' touchdown. Lucich ran 66 yards for a touchdown to put them back on top.
The Big Reds (1-1) added another score in the first, but Moniteau (0-2) responded again at the beginning of the second quarter.
Stephen Hagg found a hole up the middle and capped a quick Moniteau drive with an 18-yard touchdown.
West Middlesex was able to respond again as it countered with a quick drive of its own that ended with Staunch finding Fair on a touchdown pass for the second time in the game to give the Big Reds a 28-14 lead heading into halftime.
The two touchdown passes were Staunch's only two completions on the night.
“We'd pin them down and then they'd hit a big play,” Blauser said. “If we can stop the big play we will start winning some ballgames.”
West Middlesex received the ball to start the second half and marched down the field using the ground game exclusively, which ended in a Lucich 10-yard touchdown run.
After a Moniteau punt, the Warriors would get the ball right back when Skyler Hagg forced a fumble that was recovered by Brendon Stamm.
The Warriors took advantage of the turnover as Dustin Geagan scored on a 15-yard run to get them within two scores again.
That's as close as the Warriors would get, though, as Lucich scored twice more to put the game away for the Big Reds.
Even though Blauser's team fell, he was proud of its effort.
“I give our kids credit though, they didn't quit and fought hard all night,” Blauser said.
