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Southfield scores 30 points in the final three quarters to upend Adams, 30-17, in OAA White Division opener
Southfield – Coach Tim Conley can breathe a little easier now.
Last week Southfield couldn’t find any consistency with its offense. And its first two drives against Rochester Adams on Friday it was more of the same.
But Southfield showed some resolve outscoring Adams 30-7 in the last three quarters and defeated the Highlanders 30-17 in an Oakland Activities Association White Division opener at Southfield.
Eric McArn rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, and Brendann Brown also scored two touchdowns to lead Southfield (1-1).
“That was five quarters and no points,” Conley said. “You don’t see that happen at Southfield too much. It’s going to take time to jell. We knew we were going to have a good running game. It’s going to take time building this team. We have a long way to go.”
Southfield lost running back Matt Falcon to a knee injury before the season. McArn replaced Falcon and Brown (five carries, 57 yards) came in relief.
Southfield gained seven yards on its first two drives and trailed 10-0 before the Bluejays got into gear. They went 80 yards in eight plays as its offensive line began to move Adams back. Tyrone Lyte began the drive with a 16-yard run and Eric McArn ended it with a 33-yard touchdown run.
A short punt gave the Bluejays possession on the Adams 30 and three plays later McArn broke through the middle of the line for a 35-yard touchdown run with 1:38 left to give Southfield a 14-10 lead. The scoring came on third-and-15.
Adams made good use of the time available as the Highlanders went 80 yards in 10 plays to regain the lead, 17-14. Wood was 5-of-7 on the drive for 50 yards and he carried the last nine yards for the touchdown with 4.6 seconds left.
Adams (1-1) gained just four first downs in the second half.
“We didn’t make plays in the second half,” Adams coach Tony Patritto said. “We didn’t play good defense. At moments we looked good. We’re inconsistent. It was way worse last week. At least we’re making progress.”
Sarcasm aside, Patritto’s defense seemed to wear down in the second half. Southfield was able to control the line of scrimmage and the results showed that.
Southfield took a 24-17 lead with 10:54 left in the game. The Bluejays took over on the Adams 35 and it took just three plays to score. Freshman quarterback Sam Johnson III (4-12, 41 yards) threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Brown who did most of the work catching the ball at the 25 and rambling into the end zone.
“Brown is more of a bruising back,” Conley said. “McArn is just a sophomore but he’s shown he can carry the load. I know we have a young team. We all have to show patience.”
Brown put the game away with a 37-yard touchdown run with 1:52 left.
