South powers past NDCL in opener

After a year full of ups and downs due to the pandemic in 2020, playing in front of a limited capacity, it felt like things were back to normal for now for South junior quarterback Colin Quinlan.

Football is finally back in a big way, he says, after a 44-14 win against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

“The energy was crazy tonight, and we felt it,” Quinlan said. “Everyone played the part on the offense and the defensive side, but just glad football is back and wouldn’t do with another group, I love these guys.”

With his outstanding performance, completing 11 of his 16 passes, finishing with 191 total yards and three touchdowns, most of his credit he gives was to his offensive line.

Running back Tyrone Singleton was also a key player for South, rushing for 167 yards with one touchdown.

The Rebels’ defense came out firing early, bringing the house on almost every play to confuse and put pressure on the Lions’ offense, which finished with 177 yards.

As for Lions coach Andrew Mooney, this loss will turn into a lesson.

“I told the guys, you either respond to this or you pack it in,” Mooney said. “I just hope the 65 guys in that locker room responded to my message. But main key point is (South) brought their game tonight and they were ready.”

The Rebels went into halftime leading, 31-0, but their feet stayed on the gas pedal.

Quinlan found Bryce Figler on a six-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 38-0. The Lions got on the board on Jacob Koenig on his three-yard touchdown run

NDCL’s special teams recovered two onside kicks, and the defense recorded a sack late in the game.

“Defense played lights out when we had the starters out on the field,” South coach Matt Duffy said. “I thought we were able to clean it up after our first two possessions on defense when trying to find our rhythm and we were able to be physical tonight.”

South will face Twinsburg on Aug. 27. NDCL will welcome Olentangy.