JV Football v. Renbrook School

On a cold afternoon the Eaglebrook JV football team anxiously awaited the first test of the season. Traditionally the Renbrook squad has posed quite a challenge, and this afternoon would prove to be no different. The game started well for the Brookies, as our defense held Renbrook to a quick 3 and out series. Offensively we got off to a fast start and quickly marched down the field. Long sweeps by Ryan Cloonan ’11, and some powerful running by Matt Knaus ’11 quickly had the Eagles knocking on the door of the endzone. Unfortunately some miscommunication led to a fumble, followed by an offensive penalty, and our first drive petered out. Eaglebrook’s defense continued to play well during the next few series, but a couple of counters and a long touchdown pass to Renbrook’s enormous tightend, allowed the opposition to take an 8-0 lead into halftime.

Eaglebrook regrouped at halftime, and the offense came out firing on all cylinders. The boys quickly marched down the field and scored our first touchdown of the year on a long scamper by Ryan Cloonan. The Eagles failed to convert the two-point conversion, and still trailed 8-6. The rest of the third quarter and start of the fourth quarter proved to be a defensive battle, as neither team was able to generate much offense. Eaglebrook had to punt the ball with just over three minutes to play, pinning Renbrook deep in their own territory. Renbrook tried to run the ball and suffered to losses thanks to brilliant plays by Nick Seretta ’12and Billy O’Neil ’10, forcing a third and long situation. The Eagles knew what was coming next, as Renbrook completed a long pass to their star tightend. Fortunate the Eaglebrook defenders swarmed the ball and were able to cause a fumble, which was recovered by Kyler Murray ’12. With Just under three minutes to play, Eaglebrook took possession of the ball at the Renbrook 46 yard line. Coach Fay quickly got the ball into Cloonan’s hands, and Ryan took a sweep all the way to the endzone on our first play to give the Eagles a 12-8 lead.

With just over two minutes to play Renbrook took possession of the ball on their own 35 yard line. Eaglebrook’s defense buckled down, and was able to force another turnover, this time an interception by Will Thomasco ’11, to effectively end the game.

The JV team’s next game will be on Friday, October 2nd against a Rectory team that has already defeated Renbrook this season, 12-6.