Maine East ends long losing streak to Maine West
As complex as football can sometimes be with terminology, zone blitzes and spread offenses, the causes behind the results of a game can often be so simple.
In Maine East's 47-31 Central Suburban North victory over Maine West on Friday night, the Blue Demons simply made more big plays than the Warriors.
Maine East had 2 long touchdown passes from quarterback Andrew Lee, a kickoff return for a touchdown by Lee, a run of over 90 yards by Nathan Cameau, which fell just short of a score, and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Alex Umana.
Any one of those could help swing the momentum toward a team for a win. All of them happening in one game is tough for any team to overcome.
"We put up the points, and I was very proud of our offense. We moved the ball," Maine West coach Chris Hare said. "We felt very confident we could score. My hat's off to Maine East. They capitalized on the big plays and I didn't prepare my team well enough."
The Warriors (1-6, 0-3) amassed 513 yards of total offense, but surrendered 425 to the Blue Demons (2-5, 1-2) as they ended an 18-game losing streak to their District 207 rival.
"We wanted to get a 48-minute game, and wherever it goes, it goes," Maine East coach Gabe Corey said. "We know we laid our hearts out on the field. I can't tell you how proud I am. It was a team victory."
Lee was 7-of-14 passing for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns to go along with his kick return score. Cameau rushed for 171 yards on just 8 carries thanks to a run of 65 yards for a score and another of 91 yards where he was caught from behind at the 6-yard lin.
"I just broke through the line and they tried to arm tackle me and they just couldn't bring me down," Cameau said. "On that last one (the 91-yarder), that shoe-string tackle, I was so disappointed."
Maine East's Calvin Williams rushed for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries, and Charlie Vana added 129 yards on 18 rushes.
Warriors quarterback Ron Gajewski was 22-of-40 passing for 204 yards and 2 scores.