10/25/08 - ANC vs. Pennington

ANC finished its 2008 Independence Football League schedule with a resounding 52-12 victory over the Pennington School and our first championship since 1999. On a rainy, blustery day we executed our offensive and defensive game plans as though we were playing in perfect conditions. Tri-Captain Shannon Givens ran for two short TDs, one long TD, one long interception return for a TD and threw a touchdown pass (his 16th of the season) to Warren Gillis (his ninth TD catch of the season). Givens also threw two two-point conversion passes to Gillis, one to Savon Lloyd-Goodman and one to Tri-Captain Hayden Schmucker. Junior Dez Lites ran for a 30 yard TD and picked a fumble (caused by Lloyd-Goodman) out of the air and returned it 40 yards for another touchdown. Lites also ran in a two-point conversion. The offensive line, anchored by Tri-Captain Curt Olson, operated as a tough, cohesive unit, a unit that also included guards Jarrid Andrew-Bryant and David Uber (in his first start), tackles Mike Midyett and Ekene Nwokoye, and tight end Ryan Asplundh.

Defensively, Coach Ty Klippenstein's boys swarmed all over Pennington with a variety of stunts and attacks. Inside linebackers Schmucker and sophomore Reese Ayers (in his first start), wreaked havoc in Pennington's backfield. Andrew-Bryant and Lloyd-Goodman also were particularly tough. The entire defense played well. Junior outside linebacker Nigel Adams had his best game. His strategically placed kick-offs also helped us gain reasonable field position.

The lopsided score can be most attributed to the boys' attitude and emotion going into the game. They were absolutely determined to bring home the championship. Pennington seemed somewhat caught off-guard our passion and excitement.