BY JERRY LIPTAK
Two drives into their Division-III football contest on Friday, Oct. 5, against host Kingswood, the John Stark Generals had more than set the game’s tone. They’d set the inevitable outcome in stone.
Stark marched efficiently downfield behind its offensive line, the backs ripping large chunks of yardage running left, right and center. Quarterback Sean Barnes capped the drive, scoring from 12 yards out. The first of five point-after-touchdowns from kicker Peter Stockhaus made it 7-0.
Kingswood’s first drive, thanks to quad-captain Tulley Belcourt’s tackle in the backfield and fellow captain Chad Averill’s QB sack, produced -5 yards. The game was 4 minutes old, the story already told.
It was 27-0 at halftime. The final score, 47-14, could have been worse; Stark head coach Bill Raycraft began liberally substituting in the third quarter.
Still, Raycraft, his team 3-3 following the win and preparing to host 3-3 Pembroke Academy, identified areas in need of improvement.
The Generals, for example, were hit with multiple personal-foul penalties. Each cost 15 yards.
“We should have been more aware in those spots,” said Raycraft, knowing Pembroke is better manned to capitalize on miscues.
The JS mentor also pointed to occasionally spotty blocking.
“They’re going to come in (to practice) happy, but they’ve got plenty of room for improvement,” said Raycraft. “We’ve got to be prepared for (Pembroke).”
However, if Barnes’ performance against Kingswood is repeated, PA faces a difficult afternoon. Stark’s signal-caller connected with Chad Croteau for the locals’ second score, ran in from 2 yards for TD No. 3 and hit Gavin Sappler from 10 yards out for the fourth and final score of the first half. Barnes threw no interceptions.
“He’s a very mature sophomore,” said Raycraft. “He makes nice reads (of defensive schemes), and he’s calm in the pocket (against the pass rush).”
Belcourt, said the coach, registered double-digit tackles in multiple games this season. He’s also been blocking well on the offensive line and setting the example for the upstart Generals.
“He’s one of those kids who’s really taking on a leadership role,” said Raycraft, also Stark’s athletics director.
The Generals face the Spartans on Saturday, Oct. 13. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m.
Game notes
Another captain, Ryan Therrien, scored early in the second half for a 33-0 lead.
Daniel Simeone provided the final two scores for John Stark, one following a blocked JS field-goal attempt that yet another captain, Danny Corsetti, scooped up and carried down the left sideline to the 2-yard line.
Simeone carried the ball twice and scored both times.