Written by Ian Guevara
| Sunday, 15 November 2009 10:33
|
UNO News
The Privateers of UNO came into Saturday's game against the Tigers of Edward Waters College with a 5-2 record and the confidence of a two-game winning streak. Edward Waters limped into the game with 0-9 record hungry for a victory.
Under the fading sun of the afternoon, the Privateers certainly had its hands full with the speed and depth of NAIA Edward Waters in a 45-12 loss.
Josh Preston struck first for the Privateers with a 34 yard scamper into the endzone, and it looked as if UNO (5-3, 2-1) was ready to take control with a 6-0 lead. Preston ended the day with 15 carries for 55 yards.
Edward Waters (1-9) answered the Privateers with two drives ending in touchdowns taking the lead 14-6.
UNO fought back two series later with a lengthy drive of their own. A nine play 65 yard drive ending with a 24 yard Don Davidson touchdown reception from Chris Brady that narrowed the lead to 14-12. Brady ended the day 10-25 for 119 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
Edward Waters took control of the contest in the second quarter after Tavaris Warren blocked a Paul Sacco punt and advanced the ball for a touchdown. On the ensuing kick-off, Edward Waters kicked an on-sides kick and recovered it in UNO territory. Edward Waters then scored on a 10 yard pass from Brandon Turman to Samuel Charles to bring the score to 26-13. Turman passed for 155 yards on 9-17 for two touchdowns.
Edward Waters scored once more on the Turman-to-Charles connection right before the half making it 32-12.
In the second half, the Privateer defense held strong for the better part of the third quarter stopped the Tigers on fourth down twice in the third quarter. Most notably Kerma James delivered a jarring blow to Jonathan Johnson, breaking up a pass deep in UNO territory.
Later in the third quarter, the Tigers began a five-play, 60 yard touchdown drive with Ceasary Wilborn throwing a 45-yard pass to wide receiver Jordan Brooks into UNO territory. Wilborn ended the outing 10-14 for 132 yards and one touchdown.
Edward Waters started off the fourth quarter with a 75-yard punt return by Johnathan Johnson putting the game out of reach. Although UNO controlled the game for a better part of the fourth quarter, the Privateers failed to convert a touchdown on fourth-and-goal with 6:29 left in the game.
The ordinarily stingy Privateer defense allowed over 400 yards of total offense for the first time all season giving up 196 yards on the ground and 287 yards through the air.
The Privateer offense managed 174 total yards - 49 yards rushing and 125 yards passing.
This was UNO's final regular season game capping off the most successful season of club football in school history. Coach Andy Benoit's career record as head coach of the Privateers is 5-5.
