 High School Football:
Mustangs Battle Bishop Eustace in Freshman Football
Friday, October 6, 2000
By Bob Wankel
SJSports Special Correspondent
It was another great day for football as the Triton Mustangs and Bishop Eustace Crusaders squared off to do battle on the gridiron. The Mustangs were playing with a sense of urgency as they were looking to pick up that elusive first victory. The Crusaders were looking to steal one on the road against a hungry Mustang team. The recently struggling Mustangs showed much improvement, but would that be enough to win?
Triton knew in order to win this one that they would have to set the tempo early. They did just that. After both teams traded punts, Zac Finley punched one in across the goaline to give the Mustangs an early 6-0 lead. The scored remained that way until Bishop Eustace's Sean Hogan found the end zone late in the first half to knot the game at 6-6. Triton was then able to hold it's own as they stuffed the charging Crusader offense on the two point conversion. That closed the scoring in the first half, as both teams headed to the sidelines all tied up.
 The second half showcased the gritty defenses of both teams. After a Crusader punt, the Mustangs took over in their own territory. Quarterback Matt Reese looked to pass and threw an interception that was taken 35 yards to the house to make 12-6 Eustace. Triton's defense knew that they must not let the driving Crusader offense score again to keep the game close. To their credit they didn't allow a single point in the second half and put this one in the hands of the offense.
The offense had not scored since late in the first quarter and it was up to them to tie the game up. On two second half possessions the Mustangs were able to march easily into Crusader territory, but were not able to score.
Bishop Eustace's defense deserves much credit for the victory, as they were able to hold off the charge of the Stang offense. On the offensive side of the ball quarterback Derrick Piatek (Forgive me if this is the incorrect spelling), and halfback Sean Hogan both played great games for Eustace.
The Mustangs made many improvements this week, but they still remain winless. Zac Finley, Mike Matteo, and the offensive/defensive lines all played very strong. The defense played a very solid game and the offense moved ball, but were unable to score many points. Both teams played quality football in this one, but Eustace came out on top. The Mustangs will be back at it next week on the road looking for that still elusive first victory.
Photos by Art Redd
     
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