Blazers blank Titans in defensive battle

The Blair Blazers (3-2) beat the Einstein Titans (2-3) on Friday night, by a score of 20-0. The Blazer offense pulled off a number of big plays, and the defense controlled a lackluster Titan offense. The Blazers were led by senior running back and captain Brandon Ntankeu, who had two touchdowns.

Blair had the first drive of the game. The Blazers drove down the field and were on the goal line when Ntankeu had the ball stripped from his hands. The fumble was recovered by Einstein on the goaline. The next three drives ended in punts. On Blair's third drive of the night, there was a play that was a turning point for the game. Blair senior quarterback Pablo Perez threw a deep pass that was intercepted by an Einstein defensive back who fumbled the intercepted ball. The fumble was recovered by Blair senior wide receiver Maada Kposowa for a big gain. That play enabled the Blazers, a few minutes later, to score a big running touchown by Ntankeu.

On the ensuing drive, Einstein drove down the field. Near the Blair endzone, senior linebacker Kyle Smith sacked the Einstein quarterback who then fumbled the football. "I just knew I had to make a big time play for my team," Smith said. The fumble was recovered by sophomore defensive lineman Avinash Das. After the half, Einstein received the kickoff and ended up punting again. In Blair's first drive of the half, the Blazers drove 70 yards down the field for a receiving touchdown by senior wide receiver Marcelle Sandjong, doubling Blair's lead, 14-0.

Einstein started off the next drive with good field positioning at the 50-yard line, but the Blazer defense stuffed them so they were forced to punt once again. In turn, Blair then punted the ball after a 3 and out. Einstein brought the ball down to Blair's 17-yard line. The Titans then failed a 4th down conversion, giving Blair possession. On the next drive Perez was strip sacked, giving Einstein the ball on the 28-yard line, but the Blair defense stayed strong, provoking another turnover on downs. Blair then drove down the field and gave up the ball on a a fourth down turnover. On the final play of the game, Ntankeu broke off a big run for a final score of 20-0.

The players were enthusiastic following this big win. "We [all] did our jobs" Sandjong said, explaining why the game went so well. However, Coach Andrew Fields was not as happy. Fields believes that the game was played sloppily, which means that the team could have major problems in future games. Fields' plan is to watch film and work hard. "We gotta start working harder in practice," Fields said. The goal for practice this upcoming week is to find the team's weaknesses, so that Blair will be prepared for the rivalry game next week.

Next week, the Blazers take on the Sherwood Warriors (3-2) at Sherwood.