Box Score WHITING, IND. – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College President Dottie King may have summed it up best with her words of congratulations to the sprint football team after Saturday night's 23-7 victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph to claim the inaugural Midwest Sprint Football League title.
"This has just been so fun …" King told the team.
The Pomeroy players had their share of fun throughout the season, capping it off with a title at Ray Gallivan Stadium, the site of the Pomeroys' overtime victory in the program's first game back in September.
But Saturday was different than any other game this season. The Pomeroys were the highest scoring team in the MSFL this season, but found themselves in a defensive stalemate. Kicker Drake Varns broke a scoreless tie with one second remaining in the first half with a 22-yard field goal.
But it was a night for the defense to take credit.
The Pomeroys forced five turnovers on the night. Trey Jackson, Jazaiah Douglas and Monte' May each had interceptions and Treyvone Hooks forced one of two Crimson Wave fumbles at a key moment in the second half.
"Tonight was all gas, no brakes, just don't let up," May said. "We made adjustments all week to stop the run first and force them to throw the ball. It feels amazing. We made history tonight."
Coach Blaine Powell credited his defensive staff led by defensive coordinator Matt McLaren for getting the unit prepared.
"I can't say enough about our defense. Coach McLaren and his staff, Thomas and Wes and Griffin did a great job. Griffin's got guys up there watching film off and on all week. Matt's a tireless worker. He knows what they're going to run out of every formation," Powell said.
Offensively, the Pomeroys were without standout quarterback Brennon Landry, but Kyle Vernelson found a rhythm in the second half, while the Pomeroys rode workhorse running back Patrick Perea throughout the 60 minutes.
Perea finished with 116 yards on 36 carries, helping the Pomeroys grind out 17 first downs and 302 total yards against a solid defense in cold, windy conditions.
"We felt that weather and knew we weren't going to be able to pass the ball a lot. We had to get those tough, gritty yards on the ground. We had to keep pounding it all game. The [line] are the ones getting those yards for me; it was a team effort," Perea said.
Varns continued to contribute in the kicking game. His 33-yard field goal in the final minute of the third quarter to cap a 13-play, 69-yard drive put the Pomeroys ahead 13-0.
CCSJ responded right away with its first scoring drive. Elijah Antis powered into the end zone for a two-yard TD to finish off a 78-yard drive. After the Pomeroys went 3-and-out, CCSJ took over with 12:07 to go in the game seeming to have gained the momentum.
But on the first play of the Crimson Wave drive, Treyvone Hooks and Elias DeJesus delivered a hit on Carson Crowe and Hunter Cardwell was there for the recovery.
Two plays later, Vernelson threw a strike to Corbyn Cleveland for a 34-yard touchdown for a 20-7 lead.
"Our receivers can beat anybody one-on-one," Vernelson said. "They pulled out the press man (coverage) and slid the safety over. I took a step back, let it go, played the wind and it fell in perfect. That was a big touchdown. We needed that one bad."
Vernelson finished the game 8 for 18 for 170 yards and the lone passing TD. He and the Pomeroys had zero turnovers.
The win was cause for reflection from Powell.
"It gives you a little time to reflect on everything, the way it started. Getting in there late. I remember when it was just a chair and a phone with me and (assistant coach) Thomas Henderson getting after recruiting. This staff worked extremely hard. The kids have responded to everything and learned everything so fast. They're great kids and I'm blessed to be here," Powell said.