2004 Year in Review

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Defense Dominates, 5th Grade Colts Win Again

The 5th grade Morrison Jr. Tackle Colts’ defense dominated the game, and the Colts cruised to another win on Saturday, September 11. The Colts defeated Dixon-Purple 44 – 0 and improved their record to 4 – 0.

The Colts’ defense was very tough. Dixon-Purple was unable to collect a single first down. Morrison’s defense forced 7 Dixon turnovers including 5 fumbles and 2 interceptions. For the 4th week in a row, the defense held their opponents scoreless.

Morrison started the game on offense. To the Colt’s fans, the first play of the game was very familiar. For the 3rd week in a row, Brandon Neighbour galloped 65 yards and scored a TD on the Colts’ first offensive play of the game. Mark McDonnell ran the ball into the end zone for the PAT. Morrison was up quickly 8 – 0. Dixon got the ball next, but not for long. Andy Schaver quickly covered a Dixon fumble to set up Morrison’s next drive. Neighbour once again broke loose and ran 42 yards. On the next play, Mark McDonnell found the end zone and scored a TD with a short run up the middle. Mark ran the ball again and got the PAT. Morrison now led 16 – 0. Luke Brands added a 36-yard run later in the quarter, but the Colts did not score again before the end of the quarter.

Logan Kuehl made a big tackle for a loss in the 1st quarter. Andy Schaver, Riley Coffey, Mark McDonnell, and Landon Nelson all made tackles to stop Dixon cold.

Mark McDonnell led the offensive attack at the start of the 2nd quarter. Mark got downfield quickly on a 27 yard run. Quarterback Jacob Tegeler handed off to McDonnell again. Mark carried the ball the remaining 19 yards and got the TD. The 2-point conversion attempt was no good. Morrison led the contest 22 – 0.

The Colts’ defense smothered Dixon in the 2nd quarter. Zach Blasdell, Kelsey Snyder, Schaver, and Mark McDonnell all grabbed tackles to keep Dixon contained and end their drives quickly.

A big Morrison 3rd quarter started with Andy Schaver recovering another Dixon fumble, this time on Dixon’s 36-yard line. Dan Crebo and Luke Brands gained some yards on the ground, but this time, Morrison gave up the ball on a fumble. The Colts soon got the ball back when Mark McDonnell recovered a Dixon fumble. However, Morrison was unable to score and Dixon got possession of the football. Jeremy Brown hit the first runner hard for the tackle and lost yards. Dixon put the ball in the air, but Morrison’s Brandon Belt intercepted the pass and ran 19 yards for the TD. Schaver’s kick for the PAT was good and the score was now 29 – 0.

Dixon fumbled the ball on the very next play. This time, Kuehl recovered the ball. Blasdell scored quickly on a 36 yard run. Kuehl’s kick for the PAT was good. Morrison led 36 – 0. Nelson and Schaver added tackles and Matt McDonnell recovered yet another Dixon fumble before the end of the 3rd quarter.

In the 4th quarter, Quarterback Danny Dennehey completed a nice 19-yard pass to Kelsey Snyder. Dennehey again fired to Snyder who caught the 5-yard pass in the end zone for the TD. Blasdell ran the ball in for the PAT. The score of the game was now 44 – 0.

Dixon would now get the ball for the last time. Matt Weets and Matt Wilkens made tackles to stop Dixon short. Dixon tried to pass again, but Morrison’s Blasdell grabbed this one for another interception. Blasdell carried the ball to Dixon’s 15-yard line. Brands gained a few more yards and Morrison was looking to score, but the clock ran out and the game was over.

Andy Schaver led the team in tackles with 6 and 2 fumble recoveries. Other tackles were as follows: Mark McDonnell – 3 tackles, 1 assist and 1 fumble recovery; Snyder – 2 tackles, 1 assist; Nelson – 2 tackles; Kuehl – 1 tackle, 2 assists, and 1 fumble recovery; Brown – 1 tackle and 2 assists; Matt McDonnell – 1 tackle and 1 fumble recovery; Blasdell – 1 tackle and 1 interception; Belt – 1 interception; Coffey, Heusinkveld, Weets and Wilkens all with 1 tackle each.

Brandon Neighbour led the team in rushing yards with 2 carries for 107 yards and 1 TD. Other yards were as follows: Blasdell – 3 carries for 54 yards, 1 TD and 1 PAT; Mark McDonnell – 6 carries for 52 yards, 2 TDs and 2 PATs; Brands – 6 carries for 32 yards; Crebo – 3 carries for 16 yards; Belt – 19 yard interception for 1 TD; Snyder - 2 receptions for 24 yards and 1 TD; Schaver – PAT kick; Kuehl – PAT kick. Dennehey was 2 for 2, passing for 23 yards and 1 TD.

Besides great defensive play, Head Coach Bill Onken praised the big blocks on offense. The 5th grade Colts are not currently scheduled to be in action again until September 23. Their game against Newman, which was originally scheduled for September 18, has been rescheduled for September 23. The game will be played at 5 pm at the Newman High School field.

by dzuidema
2004-09-13 09:40:09