By By Thomas Burton/special to The Star
September 21, 2002
Marcus Betts, along with an outstanding defense, led Northeast Lauderdale over Magee 25-0 on Friday night.
Northeast coach Steve Nelson had no worries about the running game, and said the defense should dicate the game.
Early in the game Betts made a huge 17-yard gain toput Northeast in Magee territory. After a face mask penalty by Magee, with 1:14 left in the first quarter, Dontray Walker took advantage of the situation and rushed eight yards for the touchdown. The kick failed, leaving the score at 6-0.
Magee's penalty problems lingered into the second quarter after a great punt return by Micheal McShane to the 42 of Magee, Betts broke away for a 16-yard gain.
That eventually led to a 9-yard run from quarterback Rod Smith to give Northeast first-and-goal from the four. With 7:30 left in the half on second-and-goal from the one, Northeast scored on a keeper by Smith.
That made it a 12-0 game.
Magee tried to respond by placing starting quarterback Kory Moore in at running back. New quarterback Teddy Robinson got a 12-yard gain out of Moore. With Magee making a threat, Eric Boyd made a huge tackle that forced a fourth down.
Magee went for it but Northeast linebacker Micheal Murry put the hit on Sanchez right before he got to the first down maker, putting a damper on Magee for the rest of the half.
Once the second half started Northeast showed intensity as McShane returned a kickoff for a TD, but was called back because of a holding penalty.
Northeast finally got its third touchdown on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Betts. The kick failed after a bad snap to keep the score at 18-0 with 4:20 left in the third quarter.
Magee tried to pass, but it was intercepted by McShane and he ran it back 40 yards for the touchdown. The PAT kick by Hector Rodiguez was good to make it 25-0.
Nelson was pleased with his team's play.