Football Team Claims Homecoming Victory
The Owls did what they were supposed to do.
Sparked by a 28-point first quarter, the MUS varsity football team handled a game-but-outmanned Northside squad, defeating the Cougars, 41-0, in front of a large Homecoming crowd.
The Owls (6-0, 1-0) scored on their first five possessions to put the game out of reach early against Northside (1-4).
Quarterback Barry Brunetti played only three snaps, but he made the most of those three.
The junior completed three passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. His first score came on his first attempt, a 31-yarder that went to Michael Folk after Northside had been forced to punt on their initial possession. Then after another Cougar punt, Brunetti found Hank Hill twice, the second resulting in a touchdown from 56 yards out. Christian Kauffman connected on both PAT's to give MUS the 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
Then after another Northside punt, Johnny Carson took over at quarterback and continued the offensive momentum.
On his first pass of the game, Carson found Will Benton in the middle of the field, and Benton went in for the score from 42 yards out. Kauffman's extra-point extended the lead to 21.
The final MUS touchdown of the quarter came on the ground.
After a fourth consecutive Cougar punt, Stephond Allmond did his part as he needed only 3 carries from the Northside 32-yard line to score. Allmond's 1-yard plunge and Kauffman's PAT gave the hosts the 28-0 lead as the first quarter ended.
The Owls scored one final time in the first half on their opening second-quarter drive.
After two David Tillman runs and a Carson fumble recovery, Keith McBride made the most of his only carry of the game, scoring from 26-yards out. Andrew Maroda added the PAT to extend the lead to 35.
From this point, MUS reserves finished out the game as they looked to gain vital experience.
In the second half with a running clock, the Owls added one more touchdown to close out the scoring.
Taking over at the MUS 20-yard line midway through the fourth quarter, the MUS reserves moved the ball. Sophomore William Cross connected on 3 of his 6 passes on the possession, his last completion going to Elliott Bryant from 13-yards out for the score. The extra-point was blocked, ending the scoring at 41-0.
Though MUS was the better team coming into the game, they avoided a letdown and ended the contest early with their explosive first quarter. They also dominated the statistics as they held a 187-36 total-yard advantage at the half before the running clock.
Next week, the Owls venture outside of their division for the final time in 2008 as they take on the Cookeville Cavaliers at Hull-Dobbs. MUS will be looking to avenge last-year's 20-17 overtime loss at Cookeville. Kickoff between the two 6-0 teams will be at 7:00 p.m. next Friday evening.
