ADFC Game of the Week - #2 Brockton 19 Catholic Memorial 18

     Heartbreak.  Utter heartbreak.  That is the only way to describe the feeling Catholic Memorial and their fans left with after Friday night's game.  In what was without question the most exciting game we've covered this year, Brockton was able to score with seven seconds left to secure a 19-18 win.

     The defenses stole the show in the first half, as both teams were only able to muster only five combined first downs.  The defensive lines did fabulous jobs applying pressure and clogging running lanes.  For CM, senior Paul Fahey and junior Kristian Siri were able to disrupt the Brockton run game as well as force Paul Mroz to move the pocket.  The Boxers were aided by senior William Carruthers, who at times was blowing the man across from him clear into the backfield.

     After battling to a 0-0 score at the half, CM was able to strike first with a 60-yard run by junior Donovan Henry.  Henry took the AJ Doyle hand-off and flew around the corner untouched, having to make only one man miss before turning on the jets and finding pay-dirt. 
     Brockton would answer on their next possession.  After putting together a physical drive, senior Trevon Offley burst up the middle for a 13-yard score that put the Boxers up 7-6.  

     The Knights wasted no time regaining the lead.  On the very next play from scrimmage, junior Camren Williams found Henry for a breathtaking 82 yard touchdown pass that showed CM's ability to take advantage of the aggressive Brockton defense.  

     Not to be outdone, Mroz marched his team right back down the field.  A key completion to senior Albert Louis-Jean on fourth and six set up first and goal from the CM four.  On first and goal, Offley attempted to go over the top for a score, but lost the ball.  CM senior Dimitri Claude came up with the recovery, and the Knights took over inside their own 10.  
     The Brockton defense would stiffened to force a CM punt.  On the second play of the ensuing drive, Offley took a hand-off up the middle 37-yards to give the Boxers a 13-12 lead. 
     It was the CM Ground Show on the next drive.  Juniors Donovan Henry, William Earl, and Armani Reeves each chipped in first down runs to get the ball inside the Brockton 5.  After two failed rushing attempts, Doyle found Reeves on a swing pass that put CM back on top, 18-13.  

     Then came the heartache.  After starting at their own 40, Brockton was able to advance the ball to the CM 42 by way of an Offley screen pass.  On fourth and 10, Mroz dropped back, looked left, then launched a bomb to a wide-open Lucas Depina who hauled in the pass, sending his sideline into a frenzy.  

Catholic Memorial Notes

• Senior defensive back Dimirti Claude is as fun to watch as any player I've seen this year.  He's quick, aggressive, lively...and 5'7.  Claude was everywhere last night.  He is decent in coverage, but the tenacity with which he plays is what makes him so valuable.  Claude had no problem putting his head down and wrapping up Offley, who outweighs him by at least 20 pounds.  His ability to find the ball allowed him to come up with the key recovery in the fourth.  He'll be a heck of a steal for some program. 
• I was thoroughly impressed with the job Armani Reeves did against Albert Louis-Jean.  Not only was he able to stay with Louis-Jean throughout the game, but he had did a fantastic job using positioning to help make up for the size difference.  On one particular play, Mroz threw a go route to Louis-Jean down the Brockton sideline.  Reeves did a great job staying on his hip, got himself in perfect position before the ball arrived, then broke up the play.  Very impressive showing by the junior.
• Remember the name Kristian Siri.  He is a 6'3 junior defensive lineman who was a problem for the Boxer offensive line all day.  I like his ability to stay low coming off the ball, but his motor is his biggest asset.  Siri forced Mroz to flee the pocket all day, consistently hurrying him.  He does a good job with his hands, and a nice job getting off blocks.
• We can put to rest the notion that CM's defense is a liability; they can play with anyone.  They gave Brockton all they could handle Friday night.  Their defensive backs held the Boxer air attack in check, and they did a much better job wrapping up the ball carrier.  Their match-up with Xaverian will be a lot closer than people may think.
• Turns out I was wrong.  The two-headed backfield that is to be feared is Catholic Memorial's.  Donovan Henry and William Earl ran well the entire night.  Both were able to consistently pick up yardage and help keep the pressure off AJ Doyle.  The Knights could have themselves the most talented receiving and rushing corps in the state next year.

Brockton Notes

• Senior linebacker Zachary Apotheker is an animal.  He flew around all night, making stops and laying a stick on anyone wearing a red jersey.  On defensive possessions, he was the first Boxer on the field.  He was the most animated, and his excitement seemed to rub off on his teammates.  Apotheker is a pretty good ball player too.  He has a quick first step, uses his lower body well on tackles, and did a good job getting to his drops when defending the pass.
• Lucas Depina was responsible for the game winning catch, but I was most impressed with his work as a defensive back.  Depina is a very well rounded defender.  He has above average cover skills, and was able to stay with whichever CM wideout he was matched-up with.  I was very impressed with his willingness to make a stick.  On two different occasions he chested-up a CM player and planted him.  Very interesting prospect.
• I like quarterback Paul Mroz.  He's progressed leaps and bounds since the first time I saw him in week one.  He has a strong arm, good mechanics, and a very fluid drop back.  His feet are an asset, and his athleticism makes him a threat on every play.  He can be a bit mechanical with his throwing motion, but all in all he is a well rounded quarterback with the tools to play at the next level.
• Trevon Offley is as good as advertised.  This was my first time seeing him in person, and all the good things that have been written and said about him are absolutely true.  He is patient, fast, strong, and explosive.  I love the way he hits the hole.  He is smart enough to know that attacking the hole and picking up a yard here and there will eventually set up an opportunity to bounce one outside.  He has an aggressive style, and his ability to break arm tackles puts constant pressure on the defense.
• University of Miami commit Albert Louis-Jean had to be helped off the field by two teammates after a great fourth down grab in the second half.  No news was available immediately after the game, but our prayers are with him and his family.