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Tigers Cruise To 48-21 Victory Over CVU

 Justin Stone delivers a crushing  tackle on CVU Quarterback James Whitaker.
photo by Pam Quinn
Justin Stone delivers a crushing tackle on CVU Quarterback James Whitaker.

photo by Pam Quinn

Tuesday September 30, 2014

By Bill Hinman

Head Coach Jim Provost of the Champlain Valley Red Hawks had one goal in mind in Saturday’s matchup with the Tigers.  Stop Bobby Ritter on the counter play.  The Red Hawks received the ball, and after three unsuccessful attempts, were forced to punt early in the first quarter. After a short kick of just ten yards Middlebury brought in the starting eleven to try and make a three peat of first possession first play touchdown runs with Ritter on the counter off the left side.  The Red hawks stopped him cold. A series later with Austin Robinson handing the ball to Cortland Fisher on the option and Middlebury was rolling with several long runs up the middle to the CVU 25 yard line.  On a first and ten Robinson faked the ball to Fisher and fed the ball to Ritter, the result, 25 yards and a 6-0 lead on Middlebury’s first possession of the game.  Consistent kicking by Nate Lalonde resulted in a 7-0 lead with 7:50 left in the first quarter.  On the next possession the Red Hawks knew they could not let Middlebury get the upper hand and tried successfully for a forth and one conversion.  The next play CVU needed to get the ball in the air and they would get an earful coming from hard hitting Justin Stone.  CVU quarter back James Whitaker dropped back to pass and was met by a crushing blow from Stone coming off the right side just as he released the ball.  Middlebury intercepted giving them good field position on the 45. Whitaker, who was not hurt took a few seconds to gather himself before returning to the sideline.  An untypical off side penalty moved Middlebury’s start to a first and fifteen.  A play action pass led by Hathaway clearing out the safety and Bobby Ritter running down the side line gave Austin Robinson room to throw a perfect strike to Ritter which he easily hauled in and scampered down the side line for a 61 yard touchdown reception.  Big plays would again take the wind out of the Red Hawks wings with the score 14-0 just over six minutes into the contest.  The Red Hawks, showing good character, did not give up.  On the next possession CVU again appeared to get some traction with three first downs.  Then on a play action to the right CVU connected with not one of its own players but with Austin Robinson who took the ball 95 yards for the touchdown.  In its next possession CVU again gave the crowd something to cheer about with a sustained drive ending up with a one yard push for the Red Hawks first points of the day.   On the next possession what Ritter was unable to do in the first play of the game he proved that persistence pays dividends, running the counter.  On excellent blocking from the front five he was able to gain 45 yards and another score.  A successful point after left the Red Hawks reeling 28-7.  At this point in the game Middlebury was settled into a comfortable lead and Coach Smith began rotating some of the non starting players in to relieve starters from the stifling heat.  Middlebury kicked to CVU and they started the next series with good field position around the thirty.  On a second and 13 CVU could not hold on and fumbled with Middlebury recovering on the 37.  It was time for the Ritter name to take a break and number 37 Cullen Hathaway got the nod.  A strong move by Hathaway cutting up field proved too much for the Red Hawks and Hathaway scored unscathed from 37 yards. CVU received the ball on the kickoff only to run a three and out forced to punt from the 26.  A less than stellar punt of just 16 yards gave Middlebury excellent field position and a chance to put the game away for good at the end of  the first half.  Several plays later off the running of Fisher and Hathaway CVU  would end a painful first half trailing Middlebury 41-7. Head Coach Jim Provost wasn’t going to give up without a fight and with his starting players facing a field of juniors and even a few sophomores  CVU was finally able to get some traction.  After Middlebury went three and out CVU got the ball back going seven plays for a touchdown to ease the pain. Score 41-14.  The Red Hawk kickoff was a surprise with CVU trying for an onside kick.  Luckily CVU recovered the ball with good field position and were able to again march the ball down to make it closer at 41-21.It appeared that Coach Smith was reluctant to put his starters back in the game and run up the score. However,the playes on the field had other ideas and on first and ten Junior quarterback Oakley Gordon connected with  speedy junior Ali Abdul Satar. for a 70 yard touchdown pass putting the game totally out of reach at 48-21 with just minutes left to play in the game.  The end of the game came with CVU trying to put more points on the board and unwilling to take a knee with just seconds left.  Middlebury returns to Doc Collins Field for Home coming Friday night at seven against Mt Anthony.


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