SYDNEY UNI KEEPS ON ROLLING
The Lions rolled over the Predators 44-12 in their Round 6 match-up at Pennant Hills Park Hockey Field on Saturday night.
The Lions needed to go to their bench early, with injuries to both starting running backs Matt Croasdaile and Liam Erby in the first quarter. Freshman Jeremy Paske got the call at Fullback and got the job done, rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown on the night.
The Lions started the game with purpose, stopping the Predators without giving up a first down and then driving down to the 5 yard line on their first possession. However, Kelen missed a 4th down pass attempt to hand the ball over on downs. He got the ball back shortly afterwards, after strong work from the defence had sent the Predators three and out, and this time made amends, hitting Brad Ryals for a 29 yard touchdown pass.
On their next possession, the Predators showed why they had climbed to third on the ladder, driving the length of the field and scoring on an outside run. A missed PAT kept the Lions ahead 7-6. Brad Ryals set about improving that scoreline on the ensuing kick-off, using some nice blocking to take the return 66 yards for a touchdown and a 13-6 lead.
The Lions defence stiffened on the next drive, linemen Chady Aoun and Troy Carrick and linebacker Joe Lim combining to force the Predators to punt without gaining a yard. Lim was everywhere on defence, setting a Lions game record with 22 tackles. Jeremy Paske then burst for 32 yards on his first carry for the game and, next play, Kelen found that man again - Brad Ryals - for a 25 yard touchdown pass. The PAT was missed but the Lions were now out by 19-6.
Falling behind, the Predators needed to put the ball in the air some more, but the Lions secondary was waiting. Cornerback Sean Miller broke up two passes on the next drive, the second on a crucial 4th down play from the Lions' 19 yard line to force a turnover on downs. With little time left in the half, the Lions failed to pick up a first down and were forced to punt. Strong running and a late hit penalty, saw the Predators down to the Lions' 12 yard line and looking for a score to end the half. However, defensive end Ken Autterson made a key tackle for loss on 3rd down and the field goal attempt was muffed, giving the ball back to the Lions for one last play in the half. And what a play it was. Kelen hit receiver Tristan Cauhepe, who went from one sideline to the other and all the way for a scintillating 64 yard touchdown as time expired. Lions 26 - Predators 6 at the half.
The Lions opened the second half with a strong drive and Kelen put the game away with a 26 yard touchdown toss to Jens Frister. On the next drive, the Predators went for it on 4th and 1, but handed the ball over when safety Leigh Louey-Gung claimed the ball-carrier for a loss. Kelen tossed his 5th touchdown pass - equalling the club record - to Brad Ryals from 36 yards two plays later to take the score out to 38-6.
The teams traded drives until Kelen threw only his second interception of the season and saw it run back for a touchdown. The Lions regathered and drove down for their final score on a 7 yard run to Paske. The Lions had driven down to the Predators' 10 yard line when time ran out to finish the game at 44-12.
Sydney Uni Lions 44 def. Northwestern Predators 12
27 October 2007
Pennant Hills Park
1Q SU: Ryals 29 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT 7:0
2Q NW: Trigas 9 yd TD run. PAT blocked 7:6
2Q SU: Ryals 66yd kick-off return TD. 2pt run failed 13:6
2Q SU: Ryals 25 yd TD pass from Kelen. 2pt pass failed 19:6
2Q SU: Cauhepe 64 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT 26:6
3Q SU: Frister 26 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT failed 32:6
3Q SU: Ryals 36 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT failed 38:6
4Q NW: Tahmasian 31 yd Int. return TD. PAT failed 38:12
4Q SU: Paske 7 yd TD run. Erby PAT failed 44:12