Northeast Runs Past Eastern Tech, 41-19

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The Northeast football team turned in a strong all-around performance in its Week 5 matchup with visiting Eastern Tech as the Eagles put up 41 points on 467 yards of total offense in a 41-19 win.

Myles Macon rushed 12 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns; Tyleek Coleman, Jaden Roberts and quarterback Riley Pitt added rushing touchdowns; defensive lineman Jason Arnold returned an interception for a score; and Northeast moved to 3-2 overall.

With its 37-26 victory over Glen Burnie in Week 4, the Eagles racked up 294 and 263 yards on the ground in consecutive weeks.

Senior offensive lineman Will Yocum said the team was clicking against Eastern Tech, with the line, the running backs and Pitt working in concert to exploit openings in the defense.

“We always strive for more,” said Yocum. “We keep holding our blocks and just keep making a play happen. The running backs have to read our blocks, so I give them credit for that and finding the opening. And, a pass play can easily turn into a great run play when you have Riley.”

View high-resolution originals, prints and downloads of photos in this gallery. Photos by Colin Murphy

A welcomed sight was the strong play of the defense, though the Eagles initially got off to an inauspicious start. Arnold made a great backfield tackle on a Mavericks rusher on the opening drive, but Northeast botched a fourth-and-5 by jumping offsides and extending their opponents’ drive. The Mavericks capitalized with a running touchdown to go up 6-0.

The Eagles struck right back. Pitt hit receiver Mason Kanipe on an out route, and Kanipe dragged tacklers with him across midfield for yards after the catch and a 30-yard gain. Macon bounced out to the left for a long run, and Roberts finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 6-6.

In the second quarter, the Northeast offense really began to hum. Pitt, Macon and Roberts all had long runs, and Macon capped an 80-yard drive with a 4-yard score. Kayla Alexander made her first of five extra points (Alexander was 5 of 6 kicking) to put Northeast ahead 13-6.

They made it 20-6 before halftime. Pitt scrambled for a first down, then broke off a long run across midfield for a big gain. After a screen pass to Roberts got Northeast down within the 3-yard line, Macon punched in his second touchdown for a 20-6 lead.

Macon said the trio of running backs he forms along with Roberts and Tyleek Coleman present challenges for defenses.

“Jayden, Tyleek, all our running backs, they’re all versatile,” said Macon. “As a runner I just follow my blockers and have faith in my linemen. Sometimes I bounce it out or cut it over too quick, but then they’re always there to pick me up, so I appreciate them.”

Senior offensive lineman Brandon Baublitz said the line takes pride in its blocking.

“Our motto is ‘Expect to win,’” Baublitz said. “Every game, we set little goals and try to break our goals each game. The O-line likes to get pancakes and finish our blocks.”

In the second half, Arnold came up with one of the game’s highlight plays, picking off the Eastern Tech quarterback and running it back 66 yards for a touchdown.

“My friend Sebastian [Sorto], he was playing defensive end, and I was playing tackle, and he flew around to make the sack, and the quarterback threw it over and dumped it to me, and it landed right in my hands,” said Arnold, adding he wasn’t used to carrying the ball and having people chase him. “I’ve never run that fast. I could hear them breathing behind me. I was so scared; I got to the end zone and said, ‘Thank God it’s over.’”

Arnold said having the defense come together to play well was an improvement the players and coaches have worked hard for.

“[Defensive coordinator] Coach [Brian] Brown and [defensive line] Coach [Charles] Kirby were happy because our defensive line, we haven’t had a great season, so we finally started waking up for this game,” said Arnold. “The defensive line was making a lot of plays. We were rushing, getting a lot of pressure on the quarterback, people flying around making good plays, so it was awesome to finally have a good stop like that.”

Coleman added a 21-yard rushing touchdown in the second half, and Pitt ran in an 11-yard score as the Eagles ran away with the win. Coleman rushed 6 times for 55 yards. Pitt ran 7 times for 81 yards.

Still with important games left, including a season-ending matchup with Chesapeake on November 11, Macon said the team is gelling with its eyes on a playoff berth.

“We should be able to push to the playoffs,” Macon said. “It’s all about chemistry and how we come together. That’s what matters in the end.”

Extra Points

Pitt was 13-of-23 passing for 204 yards. Kanipe caught three passes for 55 yards. Roberts caught three passes for 55 yards, and Coleman had three catches for 32 yards. Tight end Stephen Haley caught one pass for 20 yards, Cole Souvenir had a 15-yard reception, and Macon had two catches for 27 yards.

Pitt and Sorto led the team defensively with eight tackles each, and Sorto added a sack. Devin Wagner (six tackles), Cam Arrington (three tackles), Arnold (four tackles) and RJ Breeden (three tackles) all made defensive plays. Souvenir, Coleman, Haley and Brayden Young each had two tackles.

Northeast fell to Annapolis 29-14 in Week 6 to drop to 3-3. Roberts rushed for two touchdowns against the Panthers.

View high-resolution originals, prints and downloads of photos in this gallery. Photos by Colin Murphy

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