South Lyon East can't contain Novi running game
Novi's running backs combined for more than 500 yards of total offense in a 49-21 win.
South Lyon East can't contain Novi running game Novi's running backs combined for more than 500 yards of total offense in a 49-21 win. Check out this story on HometownLife.com: http://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/high-school/south-lyon/2014/10/02/south-lyon-east-contain-novi-running-game/16486065/
Jeff Theisen Published 12:00 a.m. ET Oct. 2, 2014 | Updated 12:02 a.m. ET Oct. 2, 2014
Football(Photo: www.jupiterimages.com )
South Lyon East knew it had to contain Novi running backs Matt Sabo and Emanuel Jackson to have a chance Friday.
The duo broke free for more than 500 yards of total offense and accounted for seven touchdowns in a 49-21 win over the Cougars.
"I was impressed with them. I thought they looked strong and they looked physical," East head coach Mike Lindman said of the Wildcats. "Novi is probably the best 2-3 team in the state, they've just run into some other pretty good teams."
Sabo opened the scoring with a 53-yard run 1:33 into the contest. Jackson added a 42-yard TD reception from quarterback Alex Bageris for a 14-0 lead.
Sabo found the end zone again from the 1, while Jackson made it 28-0 on a 23-yard run with a minute remaining in the first quarter.
East got on the scoreboard when Dorian Watson caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Zac Powers to cap the scoring in the first quarter.
Jackson had the lone touchdown of the second quarter on a 5-yard run as the Wildcats posted a 35-7 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter, Jackson hauled in an 83-yard pass for a score and Sabo scored on a 76-yard run to get the running clock going with a 42-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.
"It's frustrating," Lindman said. "It's on both sides of the ball though. The offense can't put up the points and (the defense) can't keep the points off the board. It's a battle.
"I just think our kids are trying so hard. Their effort is great. Their attitude is good for a team that hasn't had any success this year. I compliment our kids. They are doing the best they can and working hard."
The Cougars (0-5) closed the deficit with a couple of long pass plays in the fourth quarter. J.D. Simon caught a 90-yard pass for a TD and Josh Smith added a 41-yard TD reception.
Sabo finished the night with 230 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Jackson carried 15 times for 105 yards and had three catches for 137 yards.
"They were able to control the line of scrimmage ... and obviously control the game that way," Lindman said.
Powers led the Cougars by completing 18-of-33 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Smith had four catches for 113 yards, while Simon had three catches for 106 yards.
jtheisen@gannett.com
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