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SOMERS N.Y. -- The Kennedy Gaels, who looked good for a quarter last week before losing to Tuckahoe, will host Briarcliff Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for another try at earning their first victory of the season.
Kennedy (0-5) rushed to a 14-0 victory over Tuckahoe before the Tigers answered with 48 straight points in a 48-14 victory. The Gaels must concentrate on the defensive side of the ball if they want to stay in the game against the Bears.
The Bears (4-1) used a potent passing attack to work through their first four wins, outscoring opponent 110-74 and getting two close wins until suffering a tough 19-14 loss to defensive-minded Ardsley last weekend. Briarcliff is on target for a good playoff seeding if it can win out against Kennedy and Pleasantville next week.
Kennedy quarterback Dominic Manno had control of the offense early last week and running back Rob Yurkowski ran free on the Gaels first two possessions before the Tigers defense toughened. Yurkowski is the Gaels main weapon, gaining 607 yards and scoring all six touchdowns for the Gaels offense. Briarcliff plays good defense, allowing just over 14 points per game this season.
The Gaels have been outscored 220-48 with two shutouts along the way, so the defense must improve to be in the game against the high-flying Bears.
Bears quarterback Ryan Hooper has several receiving targets, including Jon Marrero, Jackson Plimpton and running back Colin Orr, who has also thrown several important option passes. The Bears have thrown for more than 240 yards a game and prefer the pass over the run.
The Gaels must control the ball with Yurkowski and avoid big passing plays on defense to have a chance this week.
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