Preps

Alonso 3, King 0

By DON JENSEN, Times Correspondent
Published October 6, 2007

TAMPA - Sophomore Joey Di Pompo kicked a 25-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half and that proved to be enough as Alonso (4-1, 1-0) opened Class 5A, District 6 play with a victory against King (1-4, 0-1).

The wind-swept and rainy weather conditions limited both offenses, which combined for 202 total yards and 14 first downs. Punters stayed busy with Alonso's Ben Harrison and King's Daniel Zychlinski getting off 18 kicks. However, it was a punt that wasn't attempted that led to the game's only points.

With 3 minutes remaining in the first half, Zychlinski mishandled a center snap and was tackled for a 10-yard loss at the King 28. Nine plays later, Di Pompo kicked what proved to be his game-winning field goal. Di Pompo's services were required after the Ravens were kept out of the end zone despite having a first-and-goal at the Lion 3.

Earlier in the half, Zychlinski lined up for a 39-yard field goal try. But the holder mishandled the center snap.

King was held to four first downs, the first three a result of Alonso penalties. The Lions got their initial first down with 4:52 left in the game. King managed only 52 total yards.

Senior running back Eric Brown led Alonso with 65 yards rushing on 17 attempts and two pass receptions for 39 yards.

Alonso's defense forced three turnovers with Joe Clarke and Ian Hopkins recovering fumbles and Chris Bartolomei intercepting a pass. Jamal Crook also blocked a punt for the Ravens.

[Last modified October 5, 2007, 23:33:57]