Dave DeVaughn might have grabbed the headlines after last weekend’s win over Nichols, but a majority of the credit goes to the Patriots’ offensive line.
“They opened up a lot of holes,” coach Don Marinucci said. “They were really pushing. And they didn’t stop even in the fourth quarter.”
Among those who stood out on the offensive line were Melvin Dyster, D.J. Virtuoso, Mark Nearhood, Justin Waas, Zach Poreda and Steve Beck.
• DeVaughn had a career day running the ball, while both Zach Evans and Jordan Rhodes threw the ball well. Evans hooked up with Rhodes for a TD and Rhodes, a Niagara Falls transfer, connected with Mike Richbart for two scores.
DeVaughn started in place of King Fatunmbi, who is out three to four weeks with a hairline fracture in his leg.
• NC continued to struggle on the defensive side of the ball, though, allowing the Vikings to hang around thanks in large part to several big third- and fourth-down conversions.
“The number one thing we need to change on defense is our attitude,” Marinucci said. “The kids are where they are supposed to be, they’re just not finishing the plays off. They need to have that mean, finishing mentality on every play.”
• Marinucci was pleased with the improvement of his special teams, specifically punter and kicker Jeff Hare, who had two punts of 40 yards or more.
• The status of tomorrow’s non-league game against Section V’s Charles Finney was still up in the air as of press time. Marinucci said Finney double-booked this weekend, leaving NC’s Homecoming game in doubt. If the game is played, though, the Patriots will be looking to avenge a narrow week one road loss.
“We have too many weapons for them, our defense just has to tighten up,” the coach said.
— Nate Beutel
