Football: Explosive 2nd quarter powers Newfield past Riverhead
Just as it seemed like the worst was over, Newfield managed one more strike.
After scoring two touchdowns just over two minutes apart in the final 3 minutes 22 seconds of the second quarter, the Wolverines regained another possession with 27 seconds left before halftime. Even for an explosive offense, it appeared too little time to add another score with 47 yards separating the Wolverines from the end zone.
On this day, anything and everything seemed to go right for the Division II-leading Wolverines. Three straight pass completions from Newfield quarterback Ryan Klemm landed the Wolverines in the end zone once again with 4.4 left, a final dagger to send the Blue Waves limping into halftime down by 33 points.
The Wolverines scored four touchdowns in the second quarter alone in a 45-7 rout of the Blue Waves Saturday afternoon at Coach Mike McKillop Memorial Field.
The loss snapped Riverhead’s win streak at two and further solidified the Wolverines as the team to beat in Division II. At 5-0, and with wins against each of the top two preseason seeds, the Wolverines will now prepare for a showdown against West Islip (4-0 coming into today) next week.
For the Blue Waves (2-3), the immediate future doesn’t look any brighter. A matchup at Half Hollow Hills West awaits next week against the preseason No. 1. The Colts, always tough on their home turf, ended Riverhead’s season last year in the playoffs.
Newfield’s defense, a fast, athletic group that swarms to the football, bottled up Riverhead from start to finish.
The Blue Waves managed 21 yards of offense in the first half and turned the ball over twice. Three quarterbacks saw time under center in the game.
The only score for Riverhead came on an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Ryun Moore with 5:46 left in the third quarter to make it 39-7.
Newfield scored touchdowns on seven of its first eight possessions. They came through the air and on the ground. Senior Elijah Riley, a versatile player who’s listed as a wide receiver, rushed for two touchdowns and 63 yards on only six carries.
Klemm through for three, one each to Jelani Greene, Austin Gubelman and Joe Muller. Muller also had an interception. Klemm completed 8 of 14 passes for 157 yards.
The Wolverines, who have yet to play a close game this season, had all 45 of their points with 4:00 left in the third quarter.
Photo Caption: Riverhead’s Sharron Trent (No. 1) and Blake Carrara (No. 13) were unable to stop Newfield’s Jelani Greene as he catches a touchdown pass in the first half Saturday. (Credit: Daniel De Mato)
Daniel De Mato
