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Eagles Improve To 5-0 With Victory Over Rebels
If the saying that everyone loves a winner is true, then there is a lot of love going on surrounding the Sullivan Eagles football program. Under the direction of head coach Pat Burke, the Eagles improved to 5-0 on the season with a hard fought 14-3 victory over the Park Hills Central Rebels.
The first quarter of the contest was a seesaw battle with both teams handing the ball back and forth as neither team appeared to get on track offensively. The period contained a number of penalties against both teams and ended 0-0.
During the second quarter, the quality of play improved but tough defensive play by both teams kept the game scoreless until Sullivan quarterback, Daniel Schatz, scored on a one-yard run with 1:10 left in the first half. After the extra point was kicked by Jake Fieldler, the Eagles led 7-0.
Third quarter action started with the Eagles taking possession and driving toward the Rebels’ goal line when Sullivan running back, Chris Frye, was stripped of the ball which was recovered by the Rebels. Central later closed in on the Eagles’ goal line, but had to settle for a 20-yard field goal, closing the score to 7-3.
Throughout the evening, the defensive effort of both teams was apparent. The Eagles defense limited Rebel running back, Tony Martin, to a season low 63 yards on 19 carries while fans were also able to view Martin’s defensive prowess as he laid several big hits on Sullivan ball carriers.
Sullivan finally put the game away late in the fourth quarter when Schatz connected with wide receiver Kyle Restemayer for a 22-yard touchdown pass. Fiedler kicked the extra point, making the final score 14-3.
Defensively, Sullivan held Park Hills to 122 yards of total offense.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles picked up 227 yards in total offense with 168 yards rushing and 59 yards passing.
Chris Frye carried the ball 23 times for 92 yards, Daniel Schatz had 71 yards on 13 carries and Kyle Restemayer had three rushes for five yards.
Schatz was 5 for 10 passing with one touchdown pass and one interception.
Cody Davis had three receptions for a total of 32 yards. James Phillips had one reception for five yards. Restemayer’s touchdown catch was his one reception of 22 yards.
Coach Burke told the Independent News, “Both teams played really tough defense. Martin was a big-time hitter for them. Our kids played hard, they played with intensity and we stayed focus. It was a big win for us.”
When asked about the renewed interest in SHS football, he commented, “Things like this are good for the kids, the school and the community. We try to keep things focused on the kids. This group of kids has stayed together. They love football and it is great to see their hard work payoff with some good results.”
Things don’t get any easier for Sullivan this week as they travel to Union for a game that has definite Four River Conference title ramifications. Union, also 5-0, crushed the Jeff City Helias Crusaders last Friday 43-3. Led by Kansas Jayhawk bound quarterback, Jordan Webb, the Wildcats bring a number four state Class 4 ranking and a high powered potent passing game into the contest. Against Helias’ Webb threw for four touchdown passes.
Asked how he would prepare the Eagles for Union, Coach Burke said, “We are really going to work on the basics. I don’t want to try and get too cute with things. Union is a top-notch team and we just have to go out and focus on playing good fundamental football. They will definitely be a challenge for us, but our kids have seen Webb for several years. They know we have to play top-notch football.”
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