WEEK 3: Carman-Ainsworth vs. Powers

**C-A's Nick Hill**
**Powers' Patrick Lucas Perry**
**C-A's Sean Bradley**

**C-A's Shane Barron tries to haul in a pass over Powers' Greg Skubick**

FLINT- Last night's down pour of rain couldn't stop prep teams from taking the field but that doesn't mean the rain had no affect on the game. Neither Powers or Carman could get anything going in the wet grass forcing both teams to focus more on their power running game.

Advantage Carman.

Carman's game plan was simple and that was to let their mammoth offensive line do the work as the visiting Cavaliers controlled the ball for a majority of the game.

Midway through the first quarter the rain really started to come down and that was when the Cavaliers struck first. Carman used the rain to their advantage as they plowed right over Powers for the game's first score, giving the Cavs an early 7-0 lead.

Field position played a huge factor though out the remaining first half and third quarter as both teams seemed content to play the field position game knowing that it would be tough to sustain drives.

Midway through the fourth quarter Patrick Lucas-Perry gave Powers their best field position of the night with a 40 yard punt return to set up a 1st-and-10 inside C-A's 40 yard line. The big punt return fired up Powers and the Chargers were in business. Powers backs Lawrence Zietz and Matt Burnor took turns pounding the ball between the tackles, Zietz 8 yard run off of a fullback dive set Powers up for a 1st-and-goal on the 1 yard line. On 2nd-and-goal Powers tried a backwards lateral pass that fell incomplete and Carman was able to jump on the ball for the fumble recovery.

The fumble sucked the life out of Powers but not for long as Carman fumbled the ball right back on the very next play. Three plays later QB Mark Metz dove into the endzone to set up the extra point opportunity. The only problem was the snap sailed high and Powers wasn't able to get the kick off keeping Carman in the lead 7-6.

The Cavs tacked on another score with a minute left to play on Sean Bradley's 5 yard run. The extra point made the score 14-6 giving Powers one last chance. Metz quickly moved the ball down field by connecting on 5 completions to receivers Lucas-Perry, Pat O'Brien, and Kevin Pickens. Powers was able to get down inside the 25 yard line but with 1.5 seconds to go the Chargers were forced to just heave the ball into the endzone. Two Cav defenders were able to knock the ball down and secure Carman their first BIG 9 win of the season and a 2-1 record going into next week's game against Flushing. Powers falls to 1-2 and has to quickly regroup as they travel to Country day next week.

GAME MVP- Sean Bradley, Cavs in the second half the junior tailback became Carman's work horse. Bradley only stands 5-9 and 165 pounds but he was able to pound the ball out every down and to keep the ball in the Cav's possession. He's a tough runner he has great cut back ability.

Nick Hill, Cavs- the sophomore QB is still learning and had trouble with downfield passes but he did a heck of a job managing the game, especially in the fourth quarter when Carman was playing keep a way. He has above average speed and can make things happen on the run.

Lance Simmons, Cavs- the LB was all over the field. Powers had no answer for him when he blitzed as Simmons racked up three sacks to go with plenty of tackles.

Pat O'Brien, Powers- the tight end was forced to stay in and block hoping to slow down the C-A pass rush. On the game's final drive he finally went out for passes and hauled in two. O'Brien was solid defensively from his outside LB position.

Patrick Lucas-Perry, Powers- only a sophomore but Powers relies on PLP to lead the way. He plays safety, receiver, and handles all the special team duties. PLP was a block away from breaking open two punt returns.

Kevin Beer, Powers- I didn't get a final count of his tackles but I am sure it was in the teens. Beer is tough between the tackles and was able to keep Carman's huge O-line off of him.