Elgazzar: Holy Cross Runs Over Lloyd

Reported by: Kareem Elgazzar
Email: ke.kypost@gmail.com
Last Update: 10/17/2009 1:33 am

Quarterback Markel Walker stretches out another yard Friday. Walker finished with 157 yards rushing on 18 carries. (Kareem Elgazzar | Kypost.com)

Scroll down to view complete photo gallery

With a win tonight, Lloyd could have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but Holy Cross squashed any hope of the former with a 36-19 home win over the Juggernauts on Friday night.

Instead, Lloyd will have to beat Newport Central Catholic next week to have a chance to host a first-round playoff game. Lloyd’s potent rushing offense, led by senior running back Seth Cappie, was stifled all night long by the Holy Cross defense. Chappie was held to only 44 yards on 10 rushing attempts as the team only mustered up 89 yards rushing.

After sustaining a crushing 38-21 defeat last week to an underachieving NewCath club, Holy Cross bounced back admirably. Against NewCath, the Holy Cross defense allowed 376 yards rushing.

“[Holy Cross] started the game off putting nine guys in the box,” said Lloyd head coach Roy Lucas. “We then began to try to spread it around after that.”

At the beginning of the second quarter, Lloyd running back Joey Neiheisal coughed up a fumble that was recovered by two-way starter at quarterback and defensive back, Markel Walker. After a change in possession, Holy Cross defensive back Andy Roenker’s 66-yard interception return for a touchdown made it 20-6.

“That’s as big as a momentum swing you can have,” said Holy Cross wide receiver and co-captain Jordan Norris, who finished the game with five receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown.

The attempt to spread the ball around eventually cost Lloyd, as the Holy Cross defense picked off quarterback Dylan McGuire three times throughout the game. McGuire finished the game 20 of 42 passing with 330 yards.

On the offensive side of the ball, Holy Cross used it size and speed against the smaller Lloyd defense. The Lloyd defense failed to stop Holy Cross’ rushing attack, surrendering 351 yards on the ground. Walker alone rushed for 157 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns in the win.

“We knew coming in we were stronger and faster, and we wanted to capitalize on that,” Walker said.

Knowing about its size advantage, Holy Cross want to get the ball in the hands of its big playmakers, particularly the running backs and Walker, Holy Cross head coach Bruce Kozerski said.

“We got the ball in their hands and showed,” Kozerski said.

Lucas was not discouraged with his team’s performance.

“It looks like a bad loss,” Lucas said. “But their defense buckled down overall. I’m not disappointed.”

Looking ahead, Holy Cross faces Newport next week as Lloyd takes on NewCath.

Full photo gallery to follow.

LLOYD 6-0-0-13—19
at HOLY CROSS 14-9-6-6—36
HC-Walker 17 run (Norris kick)
L-C. Johnson 16 pass from McGuire (kick failed)
HC-B. Smith 28 run (Norris kick)
HC-Roenker 66 interception return (kick failed)
HC-Norris FG 20
HC-Norris 36 pass from Walker (conversion failed)
L-T. Gregory 84 pass from McGuire (conversion failed)
HC-Walker 15 rush (kick failed)
L-Chappie 1 run (Neiheisel kick)
RECORDS: Holy Cross 4-4, 1-1 Class 2A; Lloyd 4-4, 1-1.

Kentucky Post

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