Veritas Pushes JH to Overtime

LAWRENCE, KS - The Patriot Junior High squad brought plenty of confidence into tonight's contest against Veritas after dominating the Eagles in a scrimmage two weeks ago, however, things turned out much differently this time.  Christ Prep won 28-26 on a Grant Stamatis keeper for the two point conversion in overtime to preserve a season opening victory for the second consecutive season.

Coach Tom Hurley's team opened the game and looked as though they might dominate by forcing a three and out and blocking the ensuing punt to take possession at the Eagles 29 yard line.  Seven plays later Stamatis hit a streaking Noah Blair for an 11 yard touchdown.  Christ Prep scored again to take a 14-0 lead just before the half when Stamatis bootlegged away from the defense and then Graham Sutherland converted the extra point.

But with 17 seconds to play in the half Veritas broke loose for a 34 touchdown run to make the score 14-6. Then the Eagles scored again on their first possession of the second half to tighten the score to 14-12.

The Patriots again hit pay dirt but this time it was Jacob Hansen who got behind the defense and pulled in the Stamatis pass for a 33 yard strike and make the score 20-12.  The game was almost out of reach as Grant Gilkison caught a pass along the CPA sideline but the Eagles dragged him down from behind a force the ball loose at the five yard line to regain possession.

Back to back scoring drives from Veritas tied the game at the end of regulation and the the Eagles scored in overtime but failed the point after attempt.  Grant Gilkison redeemed himself by catching a pass and powering into the endzone to tie the game in overtime and setup Stamatis for the game winning extra point.

NOTES:

• Trey Mastalaz, Noah Blair and Sullivan all led the team with 5 tackles each.
• Veritas was the rushing battle 111-71 mostly on quarterback keepers.
• Stamatis went 4-10 0 Int 2 TDs plus 33 rushing yards.
• Riley Gilkison led the Patriots in rushing with 39 yards.

Patriots Cramp Greyhounds Style

WINDSOR, MO - The Christ Prep football team looked like they were going to win going away after dominating the first half against Windsor last night but several players suffered from cramps which slowed the Patriot offense down and they barely escaped with a 26-18 victory.  The coaching staff especially Offensive Coordinator Tim Hammock reached deep into the lineup and found enough bodies to seal the victory.  Will Cook filling in at quarterback threw for more yards, 232, than anyone we can find in the annals of CPA football.

Christ Prep stopped Windsor on their first offensive possession but couldn't manage a first down themselves on their first opportunity.  Then the Patriots scored touchdowns on three of the next four chances including a highlight 57 yard bomb from Cook to senior wide receiver Chase Stamatis to make the score 20-6.

But the tide turned in the second half when Stamatis and fellow receivers Gabe Jones and Ethan Moran all suffered cramps which limited their play. Hammock was force to turn to the running game and Will Cook showed he's still a running back at heart piling up 119 yards on the ground.

However, turnovers and a blocked punt set things up to be interesting in the end.  The Greyhounds scored on a deep pass play with 4:01 to play to get within one score and with so many key players unavailable the final score remained in doubt until Stamatis intercepted a 3rd and long pass with 17 seconds remaining.

NOTES:

• Stats on MaxPreps
• Surprise of the game was Seth Neild with 3 solo tackles and an interception.
• Cook also led the team in tackles with 11.
• Stamatis notched his 8th career interception & Jones picked off the 4th of his career.
• Newcomers Joshua Baker and Judah Brown notched their first receptions.
• Stamatis 127 receiving yard was a career high.
• Patriots accumulated 5 turnovers plus a blocked punt to keep the Greyhounds in the game.

Patriots Dominate Despite Rust

GRANDVIEW, MO - Christ Prep continued to show progress this pre-season in a scrimmage against the Veritas Eagles of Lawrence, KS.  No score was kept as the teams alternately ran 10 offensive plays followed by 10 defensive plays.  CPA scored on their first possession and did not allow a score by the Eagles all day.

The Patriots are returning six offensive starters from last season:  QB Tanner Metzdorf (2013 NHFA All-Star), RB Will Cook, WR Chase Stamatis, WR Ethan Moran, Slot/K Gabe Jones, G Charlie Davis and Slot Isaac Smith.  However, because of lingering back trouble Davis will likely be used on defense only where Metzdorf, Stamatis, Cook, Jones, along with defensive lineman Cameron Blair and Cale Thomas are back.

Several players stepped up their efforts and are headed for starting roles including nominal twins Luke Ross and Luke Thomas and genetic twins Steve Dorsett and Sam Dorsett.  The Dorsetts are first year football players but are not new to Christ Prep as they played basketball last season.  All showed flashes on both sides of the ball against Veritas.

Joe Dawdy showed he's ready to continue where he left off last year by making big plays including a 50 yard breakaway catch which could have gone for a score were it not for the ball popping loose from him on the 2 yard line.

With only two practices remaining until the season opener at Windsor, MO Coach Cook has plenty of options at his disposal.

The Patriot Junior High program is booming!  Last year the team struggled to have enough players but Coach Cook's recruiting efforts have paid off and this season thirty-three boys are suited up.  With the addition of the new players the JH guys dominated the line of scrimmage and made big plays to overwhelm the Eagles during most of the scrimmage.

Coach Tom Hurley mixed in newcomers and get a look a different players in different positions.

Looking forward to seeing what the 2014 holds for CPA on the gridiron!