Blocked punt propels Cary-Grove
Holding a slim 21-13 lead late in the second quarter, Cary-Grove was seeking a big play to take control of Friday’s nonconference game with St. Charles East.
Mickey Duncan provided the spark Cary-Grove needed.
With the Saints’ Chris Segretto, punting from the end zone, Duncan blew through St. Charles East’s interior front, blocked the punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
The score with 3:47 left before intermission gave the Trojans a 28-13 lead.
Cary-Grove never looked back in posting a 47-33 win over the Saints at Cary’s Al Bohrer Field.
Duncan, who also recorded 3 sacks from his defensive end spot, was looking for the block.
“When I lined up I thought I could get past my man and I got a good angle on the ball,” said Duncan. “I was able to get the ball and then recover for a touchdown. It was an exciting play for me and it gave our team some enthusiasm.”
Both Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg and St. Charles East coach Mike Fields both believe the block and touchdown by Duncan was the key play in the game.
“It was great execution by Mickey,” said Seaburg, “He did everything we wanted him to do on that play. It was a great momentum changer for our team.”
Said Fields: “It was my mistake we had to punt in the end zone because I called 3 straight passing plays that buried us. It was my debacle. Give all the credit to Cary-Grove they are a Top 10 team for a reason — because they make big plays and their kid executed the play.”
The Cary-Grove offense, which compiled 7 touchdowns, rushed for 436 yards, led by Kyle Norberg who rambled for 189 yards on 21 carries and scored on a 44- yard touchdown run. Quarterback Quinn Baker ran for 161 yards on 23 carries and scored on runs, 25, 6 and 5 yard runs.
Baker also threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Mahoney.
“For a first game, we executed well on offense,” said Baker. “Kyle ran hard and the line blocked well. We were a little sloppy at times and we have room for improvement.”
Saints quarterback Jimmy Mitchell completed 10-of-17 passes for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brannon Barry was the recipient of both scoring passes of 40 and 2 yards. Barry snared 7 passes for 99 yards.
St. Charles East defensive back Mike Candre scored on a 78-yard fumble recovery and also intercepted a pass.