By: Gary Young
On July 24th 2010, the Lincoln-Way Patriots played host to the Indianapolis Stampede at Lincoln-Way West Stadium. The Patriots off a big win over the Racine Threat on July 17th were concerned that a let down might take place, but no such luck for the Stampede. The Patriots received the ball first and went right to work. The Patriots went 55 yds in just 6 plays as they scored on the opening drive and continued to have the gas pedal down as the offense ended up scoring 55 points in the 55-6 victory Saturday night over the Stampede.
The Offense had a great night as they amassed over 400 yds of offense between rushing and passing. The rushing game, however, led the way as the Patriots gained 325 yds on 35 carries which came out to be 9.2 yds/per carry. The rushing attack was led by Steve Strimel ( 208 yds 17 carries 1 TD). Also leading the way for the Patriots rushing attack were: Bill Middleton (81 yds 10 carries 4TD's), Stephen Fanthorpe (24 yds 4 carries), Josiah Prince (8 yds 3 carries), and Mike Strimel (3 yds 1 carry 1TD). The running backs were running through holes the size of monster trucks by: Left Tackle Rayshaun Morsby/Andrew Short, Left Guard Jerome McCullor, Center Dominic Angeloni, Right Guard JP Carroll, and Right Tackle Rayshaun Morsby/Andrew Short. JP had this to say about the offense Saturday Night, " We played extremely well as an offensive unit and as a team. However it is extremely easy to block for guys like Steve Strimel because he always breaks one tackle and will make you miss, so as linemen we just got to make sure we keep a hat on a hat and let Steve do his thing. Also, Coach Dan had a great plan of attack for us, which always helps when you are going against a defense that likes to read and react."
The defense had their best day of the season, as they held the Stampede to -18 yds for the first half and -12 for the entire game. Leading the way for the defense was Ryan Leveraue (1 int and 6 tackles), Kevin Gricious (1 fumble recovery), Karl Grant (6 tackles and 3 sacks), and Troy Livingston (5 tackles and one sack). The Stampede only mustard four first downs all game, and one of those whose via a penalty. Kevin Gricious talks about his fumble recovery, : I was trying to rip through my defender when I saw ( I believe Karl) strip the running back. I immediately saw the ball near me and I landed on it." Tylor-Radtke had this to also say about the games, " With the guys I have in front of me (meaning the D-Line), my job becomes extremely easy as they eat up blocks and apply a ton of pressure. Coach Jim Strimel must being doing a great job with those guys. I am looking forward to the big game vs Leyden at home as I know they are a good team and they will play physical."
The Patriots next game will be July 31st 2010 at 7pm at Lincoln-Way West as they take on the Leyden Lions. The Patriots are now 3-0 MSFL and 5-0 Overall. Come support your Patriots on to victory!