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Roscoe Rush Victorious Over New Berlin

By Paul T. Zeien Jr.
BooneCountySports.com

The Rush had their first home game Saturday night against the New Berlin Panthers. With Riverside Park devastated by the excessive spring rain fall the Rush was unable to utilize the familiar facility. Instead, the Rush traveled to Pecatonica to play the game. The Pecatonica athletic department opened their arms to the Rush and treated them to a game with lots of local support. For their help the Rush thanks the Pecatonica football program for their assistance. Now on to the game.

The Rush was set to receive the opening kick-off. The trifecta of rushing stars for the Rush was back to receive, #10, Justin Opengo, #20, Deejay Spencer, and #31, Javon Oden. The ball goes to Opengo who bounces out to the Rush 35 yard line for the start of their first possession. At 13:25 the Rush makes their first touchdown connection. A 57 yard touchdown pass from #14, Jason Hufford to #8, Ariel Haugabook. #26 KC Goad would step up to attempt the point after. It was good and the Rush takes the lead 7-0.

The Panthers would not have as defining first possession as the Rush did. They began their first series on their own 24 yard line and proceeded to go backwards and are forced to punt. To make things worse for the Panthers the punter snubbed the ball and the short punt was fielded and advanced to the Panther 37 yard line. The Rush was unable to capitalize on the good field advantage due to some penalty issues. The clock would read 3:48 remaining in the first period and the Rush would turn the ball over on downs to the Panthers on their own 37 yard line. The Panthers first play would produce a fumble and the Rush would recover the ball. #37, Bryan Morehead was the player to recover the ball and give the Rush excellent field position on the Panther 34 yard line. It was almost like a do over for the Rush. However, on the first play of the Rush they would toss an interception that would the Panthers back on their own 35 yard line. The clock would run out on the 1st period and the Rush was leading 7-0.

The 2nd period would start and the fans would see the second Rush touchdown pass connection between Hufford and Haugabook. A 14 yard connection to the right side of the end zone for the score. Goad was good for the PAT and the Rush would extend their lead by another 7 points, Rush 14, Panthers 0.

The 2nd period would wind down to the 3:36 mark where Goad would attempt a 39 yard field goal. He split the uprights and the score was now Rush 17, Panthers 0.  The Panthers show some life with :19.6 seconds remaining when the defense reaches Hufford for a QB sack. The Rush defense returns the favor with the clock running out with a dynamic QB sack by #90, Herculano DeCosta.

The Rush 2008 dance team led by Erica put on many dance performances throughout the first half of play.

The 3rd quarter is set to begin with the Rush kicking off. Goad puts the ball right on the 5 yard line. The Panthers return the ball to the 31 yard line to begin their first possession of the 2nd half.

At 12:28 #13 Courtney Ford recovers a Panther fumble and gives the Rush good field position on the 36 yard line of the Panthers. The Rush struggles to move the ball and is forced to attempt a 31 yard field goal with 9:04 on the clock. Goad misses and the Rush turn over the ball to the Panthers.

The Rush uncharacteristically fumble the ball on a punt. The Panthers recover the ball on their 35 yard line. With 2:41 remaining in the 3rd quarter Spencer for the Rush intercepts a Panther pass and gives the Rush 1st and 10 on their own 49 yard line. The Rush would be unable to score off of the turnover.

Early in the 4th quarter the Rush are deep in the red zone of the Panthers. Unable to penetrate the Panther defense the Rush turn the ball over on downs on the Panther 17 yard line. This sparks some offense from the Panthers. With just over 6 minutes remaining the Panther put their first points on the board. A 65 yard run from the Panthers and a successful 2-point conversion makes the score Rush 17, Panthers 8.

The Rush responds at 1:52 with a touchdown dive by #28, De’Onte Foster on the left side of the offensive line. The PAT is good by Goad and the score is now Rush 24, Panthers 8.

The action would not be over. With only :09.7 seconds left in regulation play the Panthers break through the Rush defense and score. They quickly rally for a 2-point conversion but just fall short. The final score of the game would be Rush 24, Panthers 14.

The Rush played a very solid game this week The offense was able to move the ball fairly consistently and the defense held as called upon. Next week’s game is versus the Marauders and should prove to be a good game.

Congratulations on your win Rush.

The Roscoe Rush are proud members of the Ironman Football League. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the Ironman Football League , please visit their website at www.ironmanfootballleague.com.