Statement.
Yes, it was only game two. The season is far from over. The playoffs are a long way down the road.
But, if you don’t think everyone associated with Class C1 football across the state took serious notice of Boone Central/Newman Grove’s 48-7 manhandling of Mid-State Conference rival Pierce Friday night, think again.
By trouncing the #2 Bluejays (Omaha World-Herald), BC/NG grabbed that ratings position behind pre-season #1 and three-time defending C1 champion Norfolk Catholic, stamped itself as a definite title contender in 2013 and set up an early-season #1 vs. #2 showdown with the Knights this week in Norfolk.
While all the consequences of the Cardinals’ dominance obviously relate to the current campaign, you couldn’t blame fans on both sides from having flashbacks to last season Friday.
One year after watching Tanner Mazour run, pass and defend his way to All-State honors, junior Wyatt Mazour took up the mantle and produced an eerily similar performance.
All the younger Mazour did was burn Pierce for 202 yards and a touchdown on 15-of-20 passing, while rushing for 111 yards and two more scores in just 10 carries. Oh, yes, he also put an exclamation point on Friday’s triumph by returning an interception 101 yards for a fourth touchdown.
After his long third-quarter sprint with the interception, Mazour had to be carried from the field with cramps in his legs. Pierce fans were likely feeling the same type of pain in the pits of their stomachs.
“He had a good game. He did a good job in the off-season, and he had a nice example to follow,” said Cardinal Coach Arnie Johnson.
Johnson felt his team played well in all phases of the game, but noted they had plenty of work yet to do.
“We were pleased with the improvements we made from our first game. Offensively, we were able to use more of our weapons, which will only help our team in the long run,” he commented. “One of the things you look for in a defense is the ability to get a number of players to the play, rather than just one. We did that most of the night and showed quickness to the ball.
“Our special teams had a solid night and we were able to get a lot of players into the game. That will help us develop more depth, which is already one of our strengths.
“We were happy with the early win, but know we need to keep working hard to get better.”
Better than Friday night would be scary for Cardinal opponents.
Further details in Print & Online editions of Albion News
Add Comment