Posted: 11/2/05
Andover ends Rangers season
|
|
 |
Joe Drennan
Sports Editor
Matt Clearyís first season as the Forest Lake High School head football coach came to an end last Tuesday when the Rangers fell 41-7 to Andover.
ìThey (Andover) were a little fast and I think we had one of those post-good games type of games,î Cleary said.
The speed of Andover translated into 515 yards of total offense. The Rangers were only able to muster up 147 yards of total offense.
Andover had a 14 point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Rangers got on the board late in the second quarter when Nate Robertson caught a 15 yard pass from Dustin Kendrick. Muhamad Halavacís extra point attempt was good and the Rangers trailed 14-7.
Andover quickly moved the ball 70 yards before the end of the half to make the score 21-7 with only 0:29 left on the game clock.
When the teams returned for the second half Andover was poised to go on a scoring spree, scoring six points in the third quarter and another 14 in the fourth, making the final 41-7.
ìThey (Andover) are dedicated to their weight room and they showed some speed and athleticism,î Cleary said. ìThey were just ready to play.î
Next year
With an overall record of 2-7 Cleary isnít exactly happy with the results, but he isnít upset either.
ìEach week we got better,î Cleary said. ìI was pleased in the fact that once we get physically equal we will be able to compete and itís my goal to compete for a conference championship every year.î
Cleary is encouraged for next season because heíll be able to work with returning players over the winter in the weight room and get them physically ready for the 2006 season.
ìI think the kids understand my expectations now,î Cleary said. ìI think the juniors understand theyíre not going to be able to compete unless they commit themselves to the weight room.î
With the combination of working with the players over the entire offseason and players coming into the preseason physically ready Cleary believes the Rangers will be a formidable team.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605