Story and Photo by Brennan Waldorf
James M. Bennet came into town sporting a highly experienced team that had 21 seniors on its roster. The Clippers came prepared to run on the evening of Sept. 21, as they found success with a series of running plays that were featured all game. The young Warriors squad came out flat-footed and possibly still suffering the aftereffects from a hard fought win at district rival Arcadia. “That took a lot out of us but that’s no excuse, you have to come out every week and play,” said head coach Rotkowski. The Nandua players looked lost at times in the first half finding themselves out of position when facing the run that put them in a 34-0 hole. “It took us a couple of series to get used to their speed off the ball. That’s always the challenge when you play big schools,” said Rotkowski of the James M. Bennet team that hails from Salisbury, Md., with a student enrollment of 1400.
In the second half the Warriors found success as Joe Teasley threw for two touchdowns while also adding one on the ground. The Clippers would only score one time in the half but it was all the Clippers needed as its offensive line created several holes for its running game.
With 9 minutes left in the game the determined Warriors continued to fight as they gained possession on their own 45 after recording a critical stop on fourth-and-6. The Warriors would go to senior Bailey on third-and-9 who would take a pitch down to the Bennet 30. The next play Joe Teasley threw a touchdown to Tyler Greene to the left for 30 yards. The Warriors would then fumble on the extra point and put the score 34-20 with 8:16 left.
A comeback appeared to be on the horizon but an onside kick was quickly fallen on by the Clippers who had full intention of running the clock out. Behind several good blocks Bennet’s Micah Reddish was able to find the end zone one more time and take three minutes of off the clock. The Warriors would look to pass as they would try and battle back but a key sack on fourth-and-13 to Joe Teasley put the game away for the Clippers.
Larry Jones led the way on defense recording 11 tackles including four for a loss, a fumble recovery, and a blocked field goal. Desean Jackson, a sophomore for the Warriors, also had an eventful game recording 13 total tackles. Offensive standouts include Joe Teasley’s two passing touchdowns with no interceptions and a rushing touchdown. Once again, senior Jahiem Bailey leads Nandua rushing, running for 94 yards on 14 carriers and Tyler Greene led receptions ending the game with two touchdowns.
“We’ll be preaching 48 minutes all week in practice,” said Rotkowski as he prepares his warriors squad to get back in action at home this Friday Sept. 27, against a winless Lancaster Red Devil squad.
