Preble at Manitowoc, September 12, 2014 By Doug Wood The other day I drifted off to sleep and had a terrible nightmare. I dreamt I was running through a field when it started to rain. Within seconds, I was drenched and slipping in the mud. Then a large figure appeared on my left side. I couldn’t tell what it was in the downpour but I could sense that it meant me harm. As it came closer, I made out an ominous face. Its steely teeth clanged together and its eyes were solid yellow except for the initials “RR.” I yelled out, “God help me…It’s Ryan Ray!” Just before it hit me, it opened its mouth wide and let out a horrifying scream. The noise jolted me out of my sleep…I suddenly found myself stuck on a Rail Road track with a freight train speeding towards me. You can imagine my relief that it wasn’t Ryan Ray. The QB of the Manitowoc Ships wasn’t so lucky Friday night at Rubick Field. His nightmare was all too real as “RR” pummeled him and his staff play after play. If they tried a new hole, they found it plugged by Raymond Henry, Cam Batty, or Nate Samorske. Occasionally they would squirt through, just to be hammered by Casey Nelson, Riley VandenPlas, or a combination of green, white, and mud colored jerseys. Ethan VandenPlas continued his interception streak to four games, with his fifth. Although the Ships struck first to go up 6-0, the Hornets responded on the next drive with a 44 yard TD run by Josh Coulombe. Austin Lassee added 1 to go ahead 7-6. Manitowoc quickly fumbled. The ball was recovered by Damon Benz, but the offenses on both sides started to slip and slide. While trying to punt from the end zone, Preble was caught for a safety to go down 7-8 at mid-game. Other than some half-time entertainment and lukewarm hot chocolate, that was the last time the home fans would have a reason to cheer. After Preble’s opening drive of the third quarter fizzled, Lassee’s punt forced Manitowoc to start at their 3 yard line, where they would remain mired in muck. Among his many tackles, Ryan Ray also had a fumble recovery and a sack to earn the defensive player of the week. Samorske’s three sacks made him a strong contender, along with Nelson and Henry who took turns sacking the QB on consecutive plays. The Ships did not convert a first down in the second half. Preble’s offense battled the elements as well. Van Boxel (170 yards) found Coulombe in the end-zone to go up 14-8. TJ Corona pulled in a tipped ball for 16 yards, but Preble struggled to capitalize on good field position. The game seemed to be up for grabs. Whoever could get some traction was destined to win. Finally, on a fake field goal, Van Boxel pulled up and threw a TD to Offensive Player of the Week, Nathan Prevost (7 catches for 121 yards, 1 TD). The extra point was good; 21-8. Lassee would go on to boot a 31 yard field goal, earning his title as Special Teams Player of the Week. Cameron Brooks was chosen as the “Hungriest O-lineman.” I ended up getting through the railroad crossing without incident. The train harmlessly sped across my rear-view mirror. But the thought of number 63 coming down the tracks will haunt me for months. Final Score: Preble 24, Manitowoc 8
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 01:06:53 +0000