Crosby defenders celebrate with Kalib Shaw (8) after his interception during Saturday’s NVL football game against St. Paul at Jimmy Lee Stadium. The Bulldogs rallied for a 48-25 win over the Falcons.
The Crosby and St. Paul football teams came into Saturday afternoon’s game at Jimmy Lee Stadium with both in search of their first win of the season.
In a game that made this writer feel like he was in a pinball machine, the Bulldogs scored the last 32 points and earned a 48-25 win over the Falcons. Crosby improved to 1-3 while St. Paul fell to 0-4.
The Bulldogs scored the game’s first 16 points, only to watch the Falcons answer with 25 straight of their own. The way Crosby responded to adversity pleased head coach Michael Scott.
“Our kids deserve it, and I was glad to see it today,” Scott said after the victory.
Crosby’s big performer on the offensive side of the ball was monster running back Jaedan Cobb, who carried just 11 times but accumulated 201 yards and scored four touchdowns on runs of 39, 33, 48 and 38.
“He’s been waiting for this kind of day all season, for us to force-feed him,” Scott said.
Quarterback Will Rogers broke off an 80-yard touchdown run.
“Will Rogers did a great job today controlling his emotions,” Scott said. “Threw a couple picks, but still managing to control his emotions, had a great touchdown, broke an 80-yarder. He just spins out, and he’s gone.
“Will Rogers is a tailback, so that’s not unfamiliar territory for him.”
Nyshaun Myers ran for a 65-yard touchdown and Kalib Shaw banged one home from a yard out. On defense, Courdel McLarty had an incredible second half with three interceptions. Kalib Shaw added an interception and fumble recovery. Cobb forced the fumble that Shaw recovered.
“We got contributions from everyone today, and that’s key,” Scott said. “That’s going to be key against a team like Watertown. Take away their ability to take away one thing.”
Crosby’s next opponent is a Watertown team that is 2-2 after back-to-back road losses to Ansonia and Naugatuck. The Bulldogs take on the Warriors on Friday at 7 p.m. at the John J. Mills Sports Complex.
“Wins are easy. Not easy to get, but it’s easy to prep after a win and get yourself ready and keep your kids motivated,” Scott said. “We got to have these types of experiences for the kids.”
Praise for the Falcons
Scott was impressed by the young St. Paul team he went up against.
“I tip my hat to St. Paul. They’re young, but they give you everything they have,” Scott said. “They do a hell of a job preparing their kids.”
He added with a laugh: “I see what’s coming in the future, and hopefully they’re off my schedule by then.”
Senior quarterback Brady McManama threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns of 74, 9, 36 and 59. The 74-yard scoring pass went to freshman Peyton Bip, followed by a nine-yard strike to junior Emet Evjen. Junior Jack Dennehy hooked up with McManama for a 36-yard score, and Evjen later caught a pass from McManama and completed a 59-yard touchdown. Those scores all came in a four-minute, 21-second span where the Falcon offense erupted for 25 straight points. Bip’s touchdown catch came with 45.1 seconds left in the first half. After an interception by freshman Nathan Spalter, Evjen caught the nine-yard scoring pass from McManama at the halftime buzzer. Dennehy’s extra point made the score 16-13 in favor of the Bulldogs at the half.
After Crosby fumbled the ball away on its first play of the third quarter, McManama connected with Dennehy for a 36-yard touchdown and a 19-16 lead just 20 seconds in. The Falcon defense forced a punt, then the offense quickly went 77 yards, 15 of which came on a personal foul by the Bulldogs. McManama lofted a pass to Evjen, who caught it and toted it the rest of the way for the 59-yard score and a 25-16 lead at the 8:20 mark of the third quarter. St. Paul had the momentum, but couldn’t sustain it.
In addition to his interception, Spalter recovered a fumble. Junior Max Kozikowski also recovered a fumble, and senior Dan Taylor added an interception.
GALLERY: Here are my photos from Saturday’s game.
