By KEITH NIEBUHR and JEREMY RASMUSSEN
Published November 17, 2004
"Our offensive line came out and dominated the line of scrimmage and set the tone up front. When we dominate the line like we did tonight, everything else just falls in place."
- FRANK SULLIVAN, Berkeley Prep coach, after his team defeated St. John Neumann 49-8 last week in the first round of the Class A playoffs.
Living on the edge
Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia expects Friday night's home playoff game against Melbourne to be close. Call it a hunch. Each of the past three Terrier games have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Two weeks ago, Hillsborough (10-0) beat Jefferson 29-28 when quarterback Jarred Fayson hit receiver Darryl Jones for a touchdown in overtime on fourth and goal from the 30. Fayson then ran in the 2-point conversion to clinch it.
Last week, the Terriers used almost the entire fourth quarter on a 75-yard scoring drive that sealed a 41-34 first-round playoff victory over East Bay.
"We've played in a lot of those games this year," Garcia said. "We've been behind at the half seven times. We've been in a whole bunch of nailbiters. We're of the opinion that makes us better, more tough, because we've been resilient in the close games. I don't think we'd know how to function if it didn't come down to a fourth-quarter drive to put the game away."
Melbourne, like Hillsborough, has had its share of close games. The Bulldogs (9-1) have played five games decided by eight or less points. The defense hasn't allowed more than 14 points.
"They've got a very good team and are very stout on defense," Garcia said. "They're as good as the best team we've played. They're not quite as athletic as Jefferson but they get after you. I'd like to be able to sit and relax in a game, but it's not going to happen against Melbourne. I promise you that."
Chasing Cougars off
When Armwood went down 7-0 early in its playoff game Friday at Countryside, there were some stunned faces on the visiting sideline. There were thousands of Cougars fans screaming as Countryside returned a fumble 50 yards for a score. Instead of panicking, though, the Hawks went to their strength: moving the ball right up the middle with their massive O-line and equally massive back Kalvin Bailey.
Soon the score was tied at 7, then another Bailey touchdown run and 2-point conversion made it 15-0. By the end of the third quarter, as Bailey got another TD and 2-point conversion, and with Armwood on its way to a 35-13 victory, the hundreds lining the sidelines who couldn't find seats began to stream toward the parking lot.
