Kennedy Fails to Find Offense Against Einstein

In the eyes of the Albert Einstein Titans (2-0), Friday's football game against the visiting Kennedy Cavaliers (0-2) could not have gone much better. With the exception of some yet-to-be determined injuries, Einstein's 48-8 victory was an unblemished endeavor.

Wheaton's Kennedy Cavs held Einstein scoreless on its first drive, a 12-play series which ended with a turnover on downs. The ensuing Kennedy possession was pentalty-plagued and promptly resulted in a punt.

On the first and only play of Einstein's next drive, their second of the game, junior Keith Gaye broke free for a 38-yard run resulting in a touchdown, his first of three on the evening. The extra point attempt was then blocked, leaving the score at 6-0 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter, which was by far the game's most strenuous stanza for the scoreboard operator, featured four touchdowns, all in favor of the Kensington Squad. A second Gaye touchdown just over a minute into the quarter was followed by two consecutive scores from junior running back Peter Ngoh. The Titans closed the half with a 31-yard bomb from quarterback Sean Loftus to wide receiver Tyrell McRoy.

Einstein did the rest of their damage in the third quarter, adding two more touchdowns, one courtesy of Gaye and the other a 20-yard waltz by senior Nol Foretia. Kennedy scored their lone touchdown followed by a two-point conversion as time expired in the fourth quarter.

Gaye was the game's clear offensive standout, recording 131 yards on 18 carries. Ngoh also was also impressive running the ball with 62 yards on just six carries. His night however, was cut short by an injury in the third quarter, the extent of which is not currently known.

According to Einstein Coach Mike Bonavia, the key to Friday's victory was the strength of his offensive line.

"We controlled the line of scrimmage, which is a very important part of the game," he said. "That's where it starts, and if we don't do that very well, we can't do a lot. So, that fact that we were able to control the line of scrimmage means a lot for our team."

Muktass Rowland, the quarterback and crutch of the Kennedy offense, sees weakness in his team where Bonavia found strength in his own.

"We need to working on our blocking," he said following his team's loss. "Toward the end of the game, I don't know if the other team was getting tired, but our blocking was good and we could get to the outside. Once we get our blocking schemes and everybody executes and works 100 percent, maybe we can get a win."

While Rowland is the quarterback, he also essentially functioned as the team's starting running back as well on Friday, running with the ball on 12 separate snaps. Although he was able to pick up 44 yards on those carries, the wear on his body clearly affected his aerial game as he completed just four of 10 passes for 18 total yards and threw two interceptions.

Donovan Price, the actual starting running back for Kennedy, ran for 38 yards on 8 carries with one fumble.

Not one to complain, Rowland claims to be content with his Jack of all trades role.

"The quarterback has to lead his team," he said. "I've just got to get some Epsom salt, get some Motrin, hit the bath and try to get it back tomorrow."

Kennedy will play Watkins Mill in their next game while Einstein is scheduled to travel to Germantown for a matchup with Seneca Valley.

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