Sundevils Appear Headed For Magical Title Run
Tale of Two Halves - Sundevils rebound for resounding victory
Norfolk, VA - Salem quarterback Rick Kresinske did not throw a single interception all season during the Sundevils amazing run to the Eastern Region final. On Friday night's much anticipated match-up against Oscar Smith the senior quarterback started out flat with three picks and a fumble in the first half. The Sundevil defense, which had been overshadowed by Kevin Whaley and the offense all season, stepped up and showed that they are as big a reason as any for this team's success. Despite the four turnovers, all the Tigers could muster was a 70 yard touchdown pass from Philip Simms to Jamal Wilson that had Oscar Smith up 7-0 at the half.
Salem had not been down all season, and many wondered how they would respond. Whaley showed his teammates they had nothing to fear with a spectacular 83 yard kick-off return for a touchdown to begin the second half. After the defense held once again, the Sundevils got the ball back, and Sundevil's Coach Robert Jackson showed how much faith he had in his quarterback when he decided to go for it on fourth and long. Kresinske hit Jamal Conley with a perfectly thrown bomb for a 37 yard touchdown and the Sundevils never looked back; cruising to a 33-7 win and avenging last season's double overtime loss to Oscar Smith in the first round of the playoffs. Kresinske was almost perfect in the second half and finished the game 12 of 22 for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns. Whaley chipped in with 14 rushes for 85 yards and the big kick-off return before leaving the game late in the third quarter with stomach cramps. Jackson said he should be fine for next week. Fullback, Tyrek Boone finished the job with 8 carries for 36 yards and a score.
The Sundevil defense sacked Simms 7 times and forced two other intentional grounding calls and held the Tigers to - 25 yards rushing. Simms did complete 19 of 36 passes for 259 yards, but Salem forced 2 picks and was able to get stops when they needed them. The Sundevils will play at the Sportsplex next Saturday at 1:30 against Osbourne.
