Sorin returns to title game for third straight time
By KEVIN BERCHOU
Sport Writer
For the Sorin Otters the journey is almost complete.
After losing interhall's championship game each of the past two seasons, the Otters ensured themselves a chance at vindication, knocking off the Siegfried Ramblers 12-0, and gaining another chance to play for the crown that has just barely eluded them. The Otters will face the Juggernaught of Knott in two weeks, the very team that handed them their only defeat in an otherwise flawless campaign.
Sorin looked like a team on a mission, handling Siegfried in surprisingly easy fashion. The outcome of the game was in doubt only during the game's coin toss. As soon as the indomitable Otter offense gained possession, the game was, for all intents and purposes over.
Sorin scored on its very first series, advancing the ball in the same fashion as they had all year. They passed, and then they passed some more. Unflappable senior quarterback Luke Beuerlein hit wideout Antoine Tobias on a quick slant to get the drive started, and then proceeded to attack the Ramblers with the deep ball. Just two plays later, Beuerlein arched a perfect throw in the direction of his favorite target, freshman wide receiver Greg Carney, who came down with the ball for a gain of 28 yards.
After another short completion to Tobias, Beuerlein again attacked the Siegfried secondary. This time the Otter quarterback locked in on Carney, despite the fact that he was triple covered, and threw his way. Carney somehow managed to break free of Siegfried's Johnny Interhall and snare the ball for a 25-yard touchdown that gave his team a 6-0 lead.
The ensuing extra point attempt failed.
"He just threw it up there and I caught it," Carney said. "It was a big play."
That score proved to be all the Otter defense would need. The Sorin defenders, playing what was easily their best game of the season, shut down the Siegfried's attack all afternoon.
Led by defensive ends Trevor Morris and Mike Cisternino, the Sorin defense spent the majority of the afternoon in the Siegfried backfield.
Linebackers Doug Lawrence and Dan Schaeffer also made considerable contributions. Schaeffer's two interceptions squelched any momentum the Ramblers might have had, while Doug Lawrence seemed to be making plays all over the field.
Backed by the spectacular play of their defense, the Sorin offense continued its domination. For the first time all year, the Otters were able to move the ball on the ground. They controlled play during much of the third quarter as tailback Larry Burchett made several impressive runs chewing up the clock and whatever remained of the Ramblers' season.
"We were able to spread the offense out today," Otter captain Fred Faber said. "We had a bunch of guys catch passes today, and I think once they saw that they had to cover everyone, that freed up Carney for the big play, and gave us more room to run the ball."
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, November 9, 1999
