I wonder if this was the same crew of officials that did the Highlands / Beechwood game last week. The back judge in that game made 2 terrible calls and one was on a play similar to the interception call you mention. It sounds like NewCath tried a little too hard in this one. That's what often happens when the smaller schools face the good big schools. They try to do too much and then you see mistakes you never expect out of your team. I wasn't there but I say it is a mistake to go for it on 4th down early like NewCath did. Some may say that shows confidence but I feel it shows the opposite. It says we need to do something crazy to win instead of playing straight up football like you would any other week.

A couple defensive efforts really stood out to me. For Ryle, Daniel Dehner was in on 13 tackles. He played an outstanding game. For NCC, Chris Kelly must have been in on at least 15 tackles, probably more, including a couple of hard collisions with Elliott. Add in that he played full-time offense and I'm guessing he had no trouble at all falling asleep tonight. He is a nice player.

 

Nice to see Ryle throw downfield a bit more tonight. The Hempel-to-Boggs TD to cap the opening drive was outstanding. NCC got some good pressure on Hempel tonight. I am amazed how well he eludes the pressure though. He's a very tough kid to sack and frequently turns potential sacks into positive yards on the ground.

The stats don't tell the story of the game. If you didn't watch it on NKYsports, do so. If not I'll recap a bit.

1st quarter:

Ryle came out flinging it. The first play of the game looked like a four verical route that was a quick hitter to the slot receiver. That went for about 40. Ryle then went run/pass, run/pass until they got to 3rd and five from wherever. Hempel then threw a fade to the back corner of the end zone that the receiver made an amazing catch on. NewCath got the ball back and picked up a first. They then got to fourth and inches and made an extremely gutsy call (that I loved by the way) and went for it at Ryle's 38. They fumbled the QB/RB exchange and Ryle recovered. (I hope that that player is ok.) NewCath's D did pretty well to get Ryle to 4th down, but Elliot busted it around the left end. 14-0. NewCath took the momentum of a great kick off return by Dylan Hayes to score a few plays later 14-7. Ryle then started to move the ball pretty well, but Hempel was intercepted by Hitchew who took it back about 40 yards. NewCath ran the got some yards and the quarter ended. In the opening of the second quarter, NewCath faced a 3rd and long. Hitchew's pass was controversially intercepted. I say that b/c no official wanted to make the call on the diving interception b/c it was unclear whether it hit the ground Amazingly they all deferred to the man with the worst view of the play, the back judge (who again was a glory hound) After this play, Ryle decided that it was time to stop being cute. They did complete a 3rd down pass for about 18, but other than that it was running the ball. Ryle held the ball for about 8 minutes. They converted about 4 fourth downs on the drive. That drive was the game winner. 20-7. NewCath got the ball back but couldn't score. The second half was uuuuugggglllllyyyy. NewCath had 3 more turnovers, not including the failed fourth down conversion. Ryle scored once more in the second half and that was that. Overall there's about a 2 TD difference b/n the teams. NewCath came out to play, as did Ryle. Ryle just didn't make mistakes, NewCath did and in the end that was the difference.

 

Nice recap, though I would disagree with the 2 TD difference. I think there's a little more than that. You're right in that NCC made some mistakes, but you have to give Ryle credit for causing those mistakes. Ryle also had a couple of TD's called back. The final score could have/should have been even more in Ryle's favor. It's tough for NCC to have to keep their best players on the field the entire game. Against a team like Ryle, who doesn't play anyone both ways much, that is tough to do. NCC put up a great effort. They are a nice team.

To be fair Coop, only one of those td's called back didn't go on the board. The other two td's called back for Ryle, the Raiders ended up scoring on the drive anyways. At worst, this game is 35-7.

 

I thought the game changing moment was with NCC driving and Hightchew throws an int at the Raider 22 with the Breds trailing 14-7.

 

NCC had a lot of mistakes in this game. Some caused by Ryle, some not. The muffed punt by NCC late in the game that gave Ryle good field position definetly caused the Breds to give up and throw in the towel.

 

I was very surprised that the Breds held the ball for almost 10 mins in the 4th quarter, down 27-7. I realize your bread and butter is running the ball, but why would they not attempt a pass in that situation? The middle of the field was open ALL NIGHT against the Raiders and they only attempted two passes.

 

The dropped td pass to Cain in the end zone that would have made it a 20-14 game definetly hurt the Breds too. They are a too good a team to be making these mistakes and that will hurt them against good teams like Ryle.

 

All in all, a solid game from a fan's perspective and there was a GREAT crowd out in Union last night. Don't forget to watch the replay of this on nkysports.com under or webcasts link.

BTW, I think it should be noted that NCC's defense did a great job containing Elliott for the most part. Outside of the few long runs to the outside that he had, NCC's defense held him in check on runs between the tackles.

 

Deion Mullins also did a great job running the ball as well. Hempel is definetly underrated as far as him arm and legs go. He is very elusive back there and watching him warm up before the game, I don't understand why Ryle doesn't try the deep ball more often? Kid has a beautiful touch.

Compared with the Ryle - NCC game from a year ago NCC played very well. That being said I think Ryle has considerable upside potential which will only be realized if they continue to work the passing game. There were moments of brilliance and moments of groaning, however we saw a variety of receivers catch at least one pass and saw the potential of Jeff Huntley at wide-out with his State track speed, height and jumping ability. Deon Mullins played a very capable counter to all-world Travis Elliot, who was only contained due to stacking the box and excellent gang tackling. I am sure those who were on the receiving end of his non-TD runs could still feel it this morning. Congrats to both teams on a game played for a full four quarters. Worth note: Elliott was not playing linebacker in the last, long drive by NCC. When he was in there at LB, he reeked havoc with his speed and nose for the ball and was (IMO) at least indirectly responsible for much of NCC's offensive woes.

BTW, I think it should be noted that NCC's defense did a great job containing Elliott for the most part. Outside of the few long runs to the outside that he had, NCC's defense held him in check on runs between the tackles.

 

Deion Mullins also did a great job running the ball as well. Hempel is definetly underrated as far as him arm and legs go. He is very elusive back there and watching him warm up before the game, I don't understand why Ryle doesn't try the deep ball more often? Kid has a beautiful touch.

 

If Elliott does not have TD runs called back, he rushes for 275+ yards...thats hardly containing anyone.

If Elliott does not have TD runs called back, he rushes for 275+ yards...thats hardly containing anyone.

 

You can't play if and but games BC both teams could do it. I am amped for the rest of NewCaths season.

If Elliott does not have TD runs called back, he rushes for 275+ yards...thats hardly containing anyone.

 

He was able to break off those long runs though in large part due to the holding by his receivers.

 

AS mexitucky said, you can't play the IF game because both teams would have a lot. NCC did a great job gang tackling in between the tackles. It was when Elliott got outside that gave the Breds problems. One thing's for sure...I don't think Kelly or Cain will be hit that hard by another RB the rest of the year. The hit Elliott put on Cain when he knocked off his helmet sounded like a train wreck.