Troy's Fighting Irish Adult Amateur Football Team: Fighting Irish News: 2010 Fighting Irish, lightning spoil Titans opener
June 22, 2010
By: Matt Bathrick – TFI Staff Writer
The Oneida County Titans hoped to open their inaugural season with excitement when they hosted Troy’s Fighting Irish on Saturday night. Instead, it became a night of disappointment.
The Irish proved to be too much for the home team, as Troy beat Oneida County 38-10. The Fighting Irish, who rushed for a combined 347 yards in their opener last week at the Watertown Revolution, ran for a total of 229 yards in Saturday’s game against the Titans – and only needed less than three quarters to do it.
The semi-pro football match up was called with 3:00 left in the third quarter when lightning was spotted. The early end capped off a night filled with frustration for the newest team in the Northeastern Football Alliance, as the Titans could not counter the rushing attack of the Fighting Irish.
RB Andre McCauley led the team with 76 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries. RB Neil Keels and QB Ryan Job had the team’s other two rushing touchdowns, behind an offensive line that has appeared to be dominant so far this season.
“Our offense played great today,” said Troy’s quarterback Ryan Job. “Our O-line did another fantastic job and our backs and receivers came ready to play today.”
The rushing assault was accompanied by an efficient passing game, as Job completed all four of his passes for 155 yards. He threw for two touchdown passes of 86 and 30 yards to receivers Brandon Hill and Sean Bergin, respectively.
On defense, the Irish contained the Titans for most of the game. Besides a field goal in the second quarter and a touchdown pass down the right side of the field in the third, Oneida County was unable to really establish themselves offensively.
Troy’s DJ Mckeon, Joel Monts, and Josh Brown each intercepted Titan passes, while Tom Mazzariello and James Rigney each had a sack. Jason Bennett added four solo tackles and an assist.
“The Defense did well even though we were missing some key guys,” said Job. “Just a great all around game.”
The win keeps Troy (2-0) a half game behind the 3-0 Buffalo Gladiators in the Northeastern Football Alliance, but their sights are set on one date – October 2, 2010 – the date of the NFA Championship game.
“We just have to take one game at a time and in the end we want to be the only team standing in the NFA,” added Job.
Troy’s Fighting Irish play their first home game this Saturday June 26 at Schenectady High School, hosting the Jamestown Chiefs at 7PM.
