Indians drop home opener to Foran

The New Haven Register picked this game as the SCC game of the week, and it was. With the formidable force known as Tony Serra sidelined for the game, rushing duties would fall on Matt Hoey and Ethan Curry tonite. If the opening possession was any indication, things were looking pretty good for the Guilford Indians. On Foran’s first series to begin the game, Jack Singleton served notice. A hard hit by Singleton caused a fumble on Foran’s opening drive. Although recovered by a Foran player, they proceeded to go three and out.  On Guilford’s first play from the line of scrimmage, Matt Hoey lit ‘em up, hit the afterburners and rocketed 35 yards into the end zone. Before Foran knew it, the Indians were up 7-0. Of course this is SCC football, and everybody knows how things can change in this conference. On Foran’s next series, fueled by a 35 yard run by quarterback Tucker Schumitz, the Lion’s found the end zone with 6:01 left in the first quarter, to even up the score 7-7. Although Guilford’s next offensive series resulted in a three and out, Guilford’s defense was up to the test. On Foran’s next series on first and ten from their own 39 yard line, under pressure from several Indian defenders, Schumitz lobbed a fly ball 35 yards downfield. Doing his best impression of a center fielder, Matt Hoey drew a bead on the errant pass, and scored a pick for the ‘stats’ book. On the ensuing series for the Indians, although Hoey and Curry did their best punch and counterpunch running attack, Guilford could not mount a suitable offensive attack, and went three & out. On their next series, the Foran Lions marched the ball downfield for a swift score with 6:42 left in the half, to go up 14-7. Guilford did some marching of their own, behind the hard running of Matt Hoey and a 20 yard pass reception hauled in by Ryan Gill, Guilford moved the ball down to Foran’s 30 yard line, but stalled. With but a few minutes left in the half, Foran again moved the ball down the field, with Tucker Schumitz hitting his receiver in stride and scored on a long fade route. The half ended with Guilford trailing the Lions 21-7. However, as with previous editions of Guilford Indians football, this team too seems to thrive in the second half. And tonight would be no different. After a spirited salute to Bo Mooridian, the voice of Guilford Indians football, and official dedication of the Bo Mooridian Press Box; the boys got back to work.  On Guilford’s first possession of the second half, behind the twin headed rushing attack of Matt Hoey and Ethan Curry, the Indians motored down the field and scored. With 6:46 left in the 3^rd quarter, the scoreboard read Foran 21, Guilford 14. The next possessions for each team resulted in three downs and out. Foran’s following series saw the Lions move the ball down to the Guilford 35 yard line. With two minutes left in the third quarter, QB Tucker Schumitz called his own number and rambled into the end zone for an apparent score. However, a Foran holding penalty brings the ball back to the line of scrimmage. On the following play, Tucker Schumitz scrambles under pressure, and throws an ill advised pass across the field into the waiting hands of Mike Severino. Just in time for Guilford to begin their move in the fourth quarter. Guilford’s next series provides more sleight-of-hand than a David Copperfield show. After a couple of less than successful rushing plays, the Indians found themselves in a third and fifteen situation. But these scenarios seem tailor made for Ethan Curry. And sure enough, under pressure from several Foran defenders, Ethan began his scramble to the left. And of course, this southpaw does his best work rolling out to the left. When all seemed nearly lost, perilously close to his own end zone, Ethan spotted a waving Brendan Six 20 yards downfield, and let fly with a perfect strike for a huge first down. Two plays later, Ethan finds a streaking Will Stitilis for another big first down near the 40 yard line. By this time, perhaps feeling a little left out, Matt Hoey hauls in a nice 10 yard swing pass….and then proceeds to tack on another hard charging 20 yards, as only Matt Hoey can. After another Ethan Curry 10 yard keeper, Matt Hoey reels off another 15 yard run, to bring the ball to the Foaran 15 yard line. Two plays later, Ethan slings a bullet over the middle to a waiting Brendan Six in the center of the end zone. Mr. Six for six. Now things get interesting. The point after attempt began as a fairly routine affair, given the strength and accuracy of Adam Dear’s leg that we’ve become accustomed to. But somewhere between the snap and a heavy defensive push, the ball appeared to come off the side of Adam’s foot and carom directly into Jack Singleton’s hands. Jack dutifully sprinted into the end zone, for an apparent two point conversion, and the lead. Unfortunately the referee didn’t quite see it that way, blowing the play dead. Instead, Foran got the back back with five minutes on the clock. Of course, I should add here, that the Indians defense was not done yet. Foran’s offense proceeded to do what it showed capable of all night, grinding the ball down the field, burning precious minutes with it; and gaining key first downs along the way. With the ball on the Guilford 20 yard line and 10 seconds left on the clock, Foran inexplicably elected to rush the ball one more time. Guilford was ready. With the Foran running back slanting over the left side, somebody somewhere wearing a green uniform separated the ball from the running back and deposited into the hands of Jack Singleton, who scrambles out of bounds with just enough time left on the clock for one - more - play. However this victory was not to be for the Indians. Will Stitilis hauled in an Ethan Curry pass, just in time to be met by a trio of Foran defenders. The clock ran out, and this game was done. Foran had edged the Indians 21-20. It was indeed the game of the week.