The varsity football team was knocked out of contention for the B Conference Championship when they lost Friday night to Boys Latin.
JC was forced to punt on their first possession, and Boys Latin decided to run over the Patriots. Their strategy succeeded. The quarterback plunged up the middle to get the first touchdown of the night. The extra point was good, putting Boys Latin ahead at 7-0.
On the Patriots next drive, senior running back Kyle Miele broke the 1,000 yard mark for the season. The drive ultimately failed, and JC was forced to punt the ball back to Boys Latin.
Boys Latin once again ran the ball down the field, but the Patriot defense held them on a third down. Boys Latin set up like they were going to kick the field goal, but faked it and threw the ball to a wide open receiver for the touchdown. The extra point was missed, but Boys Latin still led at 13-0.
After another failed Patriot drive, Boys Latin was able to run the ball in for the score yet again. The extra point put them up at a commanding 20-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, senior running back Brian Hunt returned the ball all the way to the Boys Latin 13 yard line. The return set up a one yard touchdown run up the middle by Miele. Sophomore kicker Alex Gambrell’s extra point was good, and JC was on the board but still trailed 20-7 heading into halftime.
After the half, Boys Latin continued to pound the ball using their running game. They got another touchdown on a 15 yard run. The extra point was good, and Boys Latin stayed ahead at 34-7.
Offensive struggles continued for JC when senior quarterback Ryan Kirby was picked off after overthrowing senior wide receiver DJ Owens. The defense was able to get the ball back without letting Boys Latin score.
The Patriots fought on, and Kirby connected with Owens for a long gain inside the Boys Latin 15 yard line. The pass set up a touchdown run. The two point conversion was successful, but the score was still Boys Latin 34, JC 15.
The defense was once again able to shut down Boys Latin’s offense. The Patriot offense had a few chances to attempt a long touchdown pass, but they were unsuccessful. The game ended, and Boys Latin took home the win at 34-15.
Miele said after the game that JC’s chances at the championship were gone. “We had to win tonight and against Curley,” he said.
Miele was modest when asked about getting to the 1,000 yard rushing mark. “It felt great, and the linemen worked really hard.” He thanked his linemen, seniors Matt Crane, Matt N., Denzel Varner, and Rob Clingerman, and junior Luke Navin.
However, “I would’ve much rather had the championship than the 1,000 yards rushing,” Miele said.
Brian Reid can be reached for comment at [email protected].