CATHOLIC LEAGUE GAME OF THE WEEK 9/30: Roman vs. Carroll
Who: Archbishop Carroll vs. Roman Catholic
When: 1 PM Saturday, September 30
Where: Northwest Supersite
Records: Archbishop Carroll 2-3 overall, 0-2 league; Roman Catholic 0-5, 0-1
Most Recent Performance: Archbishop Carroll lost to St. Joseph’s Prep, 38-6; Roman Catholic fell to Archbishop Wood by the same score, 38-6.
Importance: Neither team will challenge for a division title, but two very young squads competing against non-juggernauts provides for a much more enjoyable spectacle for all involved.
PSD 2016 File Photo: Roman vs. Carroll - Taken by Roman Catholic Jr. Reporter Kendrick Wright
All-Time Record: Archbishop Carroll leads the series, 23-7-1.
Carroll Notes: After three strong non-league performances, two of which were determined in overtime, Pats dropped successive decisions to league powers La Salle and St. Joe’s Prep by a combined 80-12 . . . Sophomore quarterback Kamal Gray has thrown 10 touchdown passes, seven of them to senior Dahmir Ruffin and three more to senior Carlon Brown . . . Now the primary offensive threat following the Week Three injury to sophomore Rich Kimmel (228 yards in three games), the dynamic Ruffin has scored a combined nine TDs and accumulated 538 yards from scrimmage . . . In loss to Prep, junior Zebby Zarwie picked up 69 yards on only six carries . . . Junior Zach Butler has intercepted three passes . . . Sophomore kicker Jules Mastrocola has nailed one field goal and 13 extra points.
Roman Notes: Cahillites have been held to one touchdown or less in four of their five performances . . . Sophomore Malik Griffin has rushed for 207 yards and three touchdowns. He has also caught six passes for 67 yards . . . Junior quarterback Jeffrey Grosso has yet to throw a touchdown, but he has amassed 357 yards through the air . . . Sophomore Malachi Harris has scored one touchdown rushing and another on a kickoff return.
Patriot Chat: “We didn't want to start off the season 2-3, and I don't think anybody does,” said senior linebacker/tight end Bobby Ferry. “We just faced two strong opponents in our last two games and came out on the wrong end, but this season isn't going poorly and we still have a lot of games to prove how competitive we truly are in this league.
“This game will be the beginning of that. A win this week will set a spark to the team and give us momentum that will carry over to every game we have left, and we will take advantage of that and prove ourselves, but first we must stay focused on the task at hand and win on Saturday.
“We have a bright future. I wish I was a part of what is to come, but I am happy of what I am a part of now and that I get to be at the beginning of it.”
“This week of practice for us is very significant for the upcoming Roman game, and also for the rest of the season,” said senior wide receiver/running back/cornerback Dahmir Ruffin. “Moving on through a losing streak isn’t deflating, but more motivating. Focusing in practice is key this week, with an opponent that we must NOT underestimate. We plan to treat this game as a very important game.
“Focusing on our record and worrying about how we’re losing is a mental block that we all need to overcome. Instead, we will come into the game with a fresh start, and try to finish out the season, from this point and on, undefeated.”
2016 Carroll Football PSD File Photo
Dahmir Ruffin, 2016 Carroll Football PSD File Photo
“It’s huge,” said two-way senior tackle Anthony Warnick. “The last two weeks we played some really talented opponents and the same goes for this week. Getting a win this week would bring back the momentum we had at the beginning of the season and set the tone for the second half of the year.”
Cahillite Chat: “Heading into each game we were confident in our chances,” said junior quarterback/punter Jeff Grosso. “We feel just as confident going into this game that we will win, but we can't get ahead of ourselves.
“Anytime you go through a losing streak, it doesn't feel too good. No one likes to lose. We have to work hard this week just like any other and put everything in the past. We have to be focused on Carroll and we will see results.”
“We feel very confident going into this game,” said senior two-way lineman Steve Zakrzewski. “Carroll is a tough, talented team, but we feel up to the challenge and are ready to get over the hump and win our first game.
“Going through a losing streak like we have can be deflating, but we have already put that in the rear-view mirror and are ready for Carroll. We know what mistakes we made in the previous games, and now it is time for us to fix them and execute like I know we can.”
“Losing without a doubt hurts,” said two-way senior lineman Louis Barretta. “But the morale of our team isn’t low at all. We are onto Carroll. The fact is that every game is winnable for our guys. In three of the five games, we beat ourselves. But we are onward to executing this week.”
2016 Roman Catholic Football - PSD File photo by Kendrick Wright
Photo courtesy of @RomanAthletics
Prediction: Both teams are desperate for a victory, particularly Roman. Both underclassman-laden programs are enduring growing pains. Carroll looked stronger in the pre-season and possesses a more explosive offense. Roman hangs tough, but Archbishop Carroll enjoys a happy bus ride after a 21-10 victory.
(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com.)