(September 26h, 2014)-EVERGREEN: It was gradual, but the Locomotives of Montpelier were overwhelmed by NWOAL foe Evergreen.
The Vikings started slow, with 8 points in the first quarter, then 6 in the second. Another 6 points in th third period and 13 in the fourth, and Montpelier suddenly found itself in a 33-0 deficit.
Offensively, the Locos were held to just 39 yards, while Evergreen amasses 410 yards of total offense. This is due largely to the Vikings holding onto the ball, running 64 plays in 31:25 as compared to Montpelier’s 36 in 16:35.
The biggest issue with the Locomotive offense was the lack of an effective running game. Rushing for 28 yards on 25 attempts will stall any offense, but that is especially true for a team as dependent on the run as Montpelier.
Jordan Birdsall accounted for 22 of those 28 yards on his 8 attempts. Dallas Royer gained 4 yards on 7 rushes.
As for the passing game, Montpelier threw for 11 yards while completing 3 of 11 passes. That gives the Locos an average of less than 4 yards a pass. Being left to rely on moving the ball through the air proved an effective tactic for Evergreen.
Cody Caudill, usually a receiver for Montpelier, played the role of quarterback against the Vikings. He completed those 3 passes for 11 yards. Nate McCord and Keaton Byers each had 1 reception for 4 yards.
Defensively, Jordan Birdsall led the way with 9 solo tackles, including 2 for a loss. Max Hulbert and Bryce Cooley each caught a Viking ball carrier behind the line once as well.
Overall, however allowing 249 yards passing and 161 yards rushing is a forgettable performance. The yards weren’t as important as how they were distributed. It’s essential that a defense make the opposing offense make a choice as to what they are going to do. Allowing Evergreen to both run and pass so effectively played a major part in sealing their fate in this game.
The Locomotives will have to rebound quickly from this loss, as they are hosting Delta next week for Homecoming.