Sports
Cougars Varsity Football Falls at Homecoming to Central Islip 19-14
A flat Commack football team couldn't cope with the elements or the power formations of Central Islip.
One word to describe the Cougars play today - Flat. Commack didn't get off the ball, react to situations, and played uninspired football. Blustery conditions limited the effectiveness of trhe pass game, and it showed for the Cougars. Their first half offense was virtually non-existent, and Commack was very lucky to go into the half tied up at 7. Central Islip took the lead quickly after the homecoming festivities. and Commack again failed to capitalize on an opportunity to score from the 2 yard line.
Score: Central Islip defeats the Cougars at homecoming 19-14
Records: Central Islip improves to 2-4 while Commack drops to 3-3
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The Hero: For Commack, sophmore Cody Olsen did his best to keep the Cougars rolling in the game. On Commack's first touchdown drive, when RB John Donovan missed a few plays due to a hand injury, Olsen stepped in and accelerated down the field with a key 32 yard run, followed by another run setting the Cougars on the 8. Donovan capped off that drive with a TD. Later on in the 4th quarter, Olsen put one in himself to narrow the deficit to 6 points.
The Turning Point: Down 13-7, after the Musketeers scored to start the half, Commack took the ball on a long drive that led to a 1st and Goal from the 8 yard line. With a chance to take back the momentum, Commack was unable to punch the ball in, and on 4th down from the 2, QB Tyler Smith sailed a pass incomplete.
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The Quote: "We didn't execute. We knew what was coming, bottom line, but didn't execute" - Commack Head Coach Joe Reggio. A backbreaking screen pass to Darrell Flores was being screamed by the coaching staff, but the players did not response and Flores took it 75 yards for the touch.
The Bottom Line: Commack did not play with passion, and played sloppy football. Despite the fact they may have been the more talented side, the players did not make plays they needed to make. Smith kept trying to get the ball deep to WR Connor McQueeney despite the play not being there the whole game. The defense forced one turnover, but was unable to make critical stops when they needed that. Despite all of this, Commack still controls its own fate to make the playoffs - win their next two and then they are in.
Key Stat: 6:48 left in the 2nd Quarter - Commack did not a record a first down until they were over 18 minutes into the game. The offense never got on track.
Who's Next? The Cougars head to Patchogue-Medford on Friday at 6 p.m..
