Sports briefs: 11-30-06

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Rams show strong effort

At first glance, the 26-0 score looks like another Thanksgiving Day blowout in favor of the Neumann-Goretti Saints.

What it doesn’t indicate is the Southern Rams held their neighborhood rival scoreless in the first quarter and at just six points at the end of the half. Typically, these holiday meetings are more lopsided, like in 2005 when the Saints won 53-8.

Neumann-Goretti coach Steve Smith commended Southern’s strong effort. "Billy Edger is a great coach," he said of his opposition. "They were very prepared for us and very psyched up for the game. They did a good job defending us."

Edger said the fact his team won four of its last five match-ups heading into the contest provided his players with a positive outlook.

"The kids felt good about themselves and felt we could win the game," Edger said.

Junior linebacker Tyrell Cooper led the Rams’ defensive effort with seven solo tackles, a sack and forced fumble. Senior lineman Jahmel Bashir had a fumble recovery and four tackles, while senior defensive back Erik Whitaker also forced a fumble.

Neumann-Goretti scored the only first-half touchdown on a two-yard run by senior running back Anthony Sample.

But Edger was pleased with his team’s first-half effort.

"The kids were jacked up and surprised a lot of people," he said of his Rams. "Nobody expected us to hang with [the Saints]."

Neumann-Goretti, who advanced to the Catholic League Blue semifinals, pulled away in the second half by scoring three touchdowns. Senior fullback Mark McPherson, who tallied 169 rushing yards, scored on a 62-yard run in the third quarter. Senior wide receiver Nick Gianos caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Mark Hatty, while junior wing back Adam Malatino scored on a 10-yard touchdown run.

That makes two straight wins for the Saints and 51 overall in the Thanksgiving Day rivalry.

Southern finished the year 3-3 in league play and 4-7 overall.