The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Patriots
the third quarter.
Earlier on that same drive, Lazer got the Friars into the red zone again with a 27-yard run.
Later in the fourth quarter, Lazer’s final completion, a 22-yard pass to Daniel Johnson, converted a key third down with the Friars deep in their own territory and allowed them to milk four minutes off the clock and play a field position game with Carroll, one which the Patriots could not overcome.
“We weren’t the best on offense today, but when we needed it we pulled through,” Lazer said. “We wouldn’t have had a chance to do that if it wasn’t for our defense, though. They were awesome today. They’re the best defense in our division and they allowed us to have enough chances to make enough plays to win.”
Lazer was right. The Friars’ defense was in Lamey’s face all afternoon. They also blew up any semblance of Carroll’s running game. The Patriots had 15 plays that resulted in negative yardage.
“Up front, we’re about as competitive as any team,” Muldoon said. “We have a really good front seven and our front four is outstanding.”
Bonner-Prendergast held Carroll to just 56 yards of total offense in the game.
“The game is won and lost in the trenches,” Patriots coach Kyle Detweiler said. “When push came to shove they made the plays in there and we didn’t.”
The Friars move on to a showdown with Cardinal O’Hara next week in a game that will determine a bye in the Blue Division. A win against the Lions and Bonner-Prendergast will complete a stunning turnaround from one year to the next.
“It feels really good because we only won three games overall the last two years,” Lazer said. “To have a chance to get the bye and be the best team in our division is crazy, but it’s brought a lot of excitement to the team and our school in general. It’s really cool to see.”
The senior linebacker said this is the closest team he’s been on in his time at GA and he’s even started driving some of his younger teammates home after practices and workouts. While the Patriots play some underclassman, the senior said they’re not scared and he was eager to get back on the field next week and clean up the mistakes from Saturday’s loss.
“The Inter-Ac is totally balanced, I mean (Malvern) was 1-4 but they’re just as good of a team so there’s talent all over and I don’t think a 5-0 team is going to win this league,” Strauss said. “You try to win out and see how the rest of it unfolds.”
After GA got within five, the Friars turned an interception from defensive back Caimin Hayes into a six-play drive capped off by a 12-yard run from White. The quarterback accounted for all but eight of the 41 yards of the drive.
“When I engage a block I know Lonnie is behind me and I think magic can happen,” Deery said. “I think today he showed that.”