VERO BEACH – A successful extra point kick proved to be the difference as John Carroll edged St. Ed’s 7-6 in the regular season opener for both teams Thursday night at Pirates Stadium.
The Golden Rams took the second half kickoff and went on a nine play, 63 yard touchdown drive to erase a 6-0 St. Ed’s halftime lead. Using a no-huddle spread formation, John Carroll’s four minute drive was fast paced and featured nine rushing plays. Even more importantly, it was penalty free.
The Pirates touchdown at the 8:51 mark of the second period proved to be the play of the game. On a fourth-and-three from the John Carroll 35 yard line, quarterback Jack Tonner connected with receiver Anderson Proctor on a deep fade route. The extra point kick failed after St. Ed’s was pushed back by a delay-of-game penalty.
Proctor also blocked a short field goal attempt and boomed several punts, including a 53 yarder, to keep John Carroll at bay for most of the first half. Penalties proved costly for John Carroll as their offense was continuously befuddled by the Pirates stunting tactics on defense.
The second half was a different story. John Carroll used an efficient rushing attack that featured a number of reverse flips to running backs. The Pirates never seriously threatened after losing ground on a fourth-and-one at the John Carroll 30 with four minutes to go in the third quarter.
St. Ed’s recovered a fumble on their own three yard line with a little over five minutes remaining. A Tonner to Brock Miller first down pass was the last gasp. John Carroll took three knees in the victory formation to end the game.
Pirates Head Coach Bill Motta was pleased with the performance of his team in this rivalry game and customarily gracious toward his opponent.
“Last year went down to the wire (a 10-7 John Carroll win), this year went down to the wire. (John Carroll) Coach (Mike) Watkins prepared his team well and made the proper adjustments at the half. Their strength is their front four offensively and defensively. We knew they were going to come out and run the ball because that is what they have success with.”
“We had a fabulous effort. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. They did everything we asked them to do. They pushed through some fatigue. It was a real gut check. They stepped-up and delivered for us.”
Correction: The original headline stated that St. Ed’s won by an extra kick.