The SMWC sprint football team came into last Saturday's victory against Quincy averaging 45 points-per-game to lead the Midwest Sprint Football League.
Head coach
Blaine Powell's primary goal was getting a win against a quality opponent. The Pomeroys, who threw for over 400 yards and six TDs through the air two weeks ago, used a much different route to success this time.
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Five key takeaways from Saturday's 28-14 victory which kept SMWC in second place in the league going into this weekend's game at Walsh.
Nic Krone (62) wraps up the Quincy ball carrier.
1. The Pomeroys continue to play well in the trenches. SMWC was without two-time MSFL Defensive Player of the Week
Di'lon Harvey on the defensive line, but the Pomeroys managed to create pressure on Quincy quarterback Deuce Allaway. SMWC had four sacks. Linebacker
Jake Skinner had one that forced a fumble, but defensive linemen had the other three. Emiliano
Gael Bravo had one,
Debryan Bush another and
Jovan Wilson, who moved from running back to defensive line recently, had the other.
"I felt like we played really well on both lines, especially our defensive line," said Powell, who also praised Nic Krone (4 tackles) and
Kana'i Acosta-Mendoza as one of the hardest workers on the team.
Powell also praised the offensive line in giving
Jeremiah Tosky enough time to make some key throws to move the chains and helping the running game grind out 171 yards on 51 carries against a big, tough defense.
Derron Hazzard breaks free for running room Saturday against Quincy. Hazzard had two rushing TDs.
2. The running back group continues to shine.
The running back by committee approach is certainly a popular approach in the modern National Football League, and the Pomeroys are taking a similar approach this season.
Freshman running back
Derron Hazzard put his slashing style on display with a team-high 67 yards and two TDs, including a 34-yard burst.
Keandre Jones picked up a couple of key first downs and added 49 yards on 10 carries.
Peyton Emberton broke through for the game's first touchdown, and runner
Patrick Perea helped wear down the defense with his strong, patient running.
Jordan Foster celebrates after his second-quarter interception Saturday.
3.
The Pomeroys' defensive backfield is full of playmakers.
If this wasn't already clear, the SMWC defensive backs are a problem for opposing quarterbacks. DBs have eight of the nine interceptions this season for the team.
Elias DeJesus returned from injury to pick off a pass and lead the team with seven tackles.
"It's nice to have Elias back. He hasn't played since Week 1 with an elbow injury," Powell said.
Cornerback
Jordan Foster also picked off a pass and SMWC held Allaway to 10 of 27 passing.
"We've been practicing hard day-in, day-out," DeJesus said. "The big thing is chemistry with our defense. Everyone's always in the right place to make plays."
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. The Pomeroys made improvements in penalties.
SMWC racked up almost 200 yards in penalties two weeks ago against Bellarmine and showed a strong improvement with just five penalties for 68 yards.
Powell and his staff will look to keep that trend continuing this weekend at Walsh.
Drake Varns had a strong Senior Day performance, going 4 for 4 on PAT attempts.
5. Special teams play encouraging as well.
The Pomeroys' special teams play has been mostly strong this season, and that continued. Senior kicker
Drake Varns went 4 for 4 on PAT attempts.
The Pomeroys' return game was also strong. Hazzard nearly broke a kick return for a touchdown before being tackled by the kicker after a 56-yard return.
Austin Petrillo took a punt return 33 yards as well.
