Norsemen Find Their Rhythm. ⚔️
Sept. 19/26 Game 3
Bel-Air Norsemen vs. LaSalle Warriors
The visiting Warriors kicked off to start the game. The ball was taken by Kingston Pappas (#5), who returned it 15 yards. The football was then turned over by each team on downs. On one kick, Bryce Sasseville (#24) made a good return and fought hard for a few extra yards.
However, on a subsequent play, the Warriors intercepted a pass and returned it to the Norsemen 20-yard line. The Warriors then scored a converted touchdown with 2:36 remaining.
The Norsemen did not seem ready to play from the start of the game and looked lethargic. Would this be a repeat of the last game?
After the score, the Warriors kicked the ball to (#1), who returned it 15 yards.
End of First Quarter: Norsemen 0 – Warriors 7
On a fourth down, the Warriors were deep in their own end and their kick came up short. Suddenly, the Norsemen were on the Warrior 30-yard line. A pass to Kingston Pappas (#5) brought them to the 10-yard line.
It then took four attempts to earn the touchdown, scored by Evan Lamar (#3) at 9:12, due to penalties and a stubborn Warrior defense. Jack Williams (#4) converted the extra point.
After the kickoff, the Warriors were once again held deep in their own end and conceded a two-point safety. It seemed the Norsemen had needed a bit of adversity to start playing their type of tough football.
On the next Norsemen possession, Jonavon Essue (#82) had a 15-yard reception and run, but the Warriors then took possession.
At 3:32 of the second quarter, Christian Gendo (#8) intercepted a Warrior pass at approximately their 45-yard line. Following that, JamesJr Kongkhaw (#20) made a very hard run against determined defenders, setting up a 30-yard reception and run by Kingston Pappas (#5) for a touchdown. Jack Williams (#4) converted.
On the kickoff, Bryce Sasseville (#24) made a solid hit and tackle to stop the Warriors at their 35-yard line.
On fourth down, the Warriors kicked deep into the Norsemen end. The punt was caught by Bryce Sasseville (#24), who raced up the sideline for a 95+ yard touchdown. Jack Williams (#4) converted.
Half Time: Norsemen 29 – Warriors 7
The third quarter started with Kingston Pappas (#5) returning the kick to the Warrior 50-yard line. He then caught a pass at the 5-yard line and appeared to catch a touchdown pass, but the play was negated by a Norsemen penalty.
The Norsemen responded immediately, with Evan Lamar (#3) passing to Jason Rugamba (#7) for a touchdown, which was converted by (#4).
Score: Norsemen 36 – Warriors 7
The Norsemen kicked off, and our defense continued its strong play, holding the Warriors at their own 10-yard line.
After the punt, a 25-yard pass and run by Kingston Pappas (#5) was followed by a very tough run by (#7) to the Warrior 45-yard line.
In the fourth quarter, after the Norsemen punted, the Warriors took possession and attempted to move out of their own end. They were stopped by tackles from Lucas Furlong (#22), Liam West (#28) and Arlo Kalynuk (#34).
Unfortunately, a Norsemen penalty gave the Warriors a first down at their own 20-yard line. A subsequent pass attempt was intercepted by Jairus Lapee (#2), who returned it to the Warriors’ 42-yard line.
Two receptions by Zev Boucher (#19) were followed by a turnover. The Warriors then fumbled, and the Norsemen took possession at the Warrior 50-yard line.
With 2:59 remaining, a long pass to Jonavon Essue (#82) came close to the end zone, but unfortunately could not be held. A 25-yard pass to (#7), followed by another to (#82), put the Norsemen at the Warrior 35-yard line. A Warriors bench penalty then moved the Norsemen to the 25-yard line.
In the final minute, Lucas Furlong (#22) made a great zigzag run to the goal line. On the next play, he scored a touchdown, which was converted by (#4).
The Norsemen started slowly but finished strong. However, this may not work against other teams.
Start strong! Stay strong!
Final Score: Norsemen 45 – Warriors 7
Thank you to all the players, coaches, referees and staff who made this an exciting night of football.
Special Thanks
A special thanks to the families who helped with nourishment and sticks:
- Half-time snacks: Simon Stanfield
- Post-game drinks: Joseph Boletti
- Sticks: Camden Carruthers, Zev Boucher, Jacob Dutfield
And a really special thank you to Camille Awada, who stepped up when we learned we needed a timer!
Thanks, Cam!