Notre Dame High School football team earns first win of season

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

By ERIC GOLDWEIN

Still searching for its first win of the season on the road against Saucon Valley High School, Notre Dame turned to its seniors on the final drive.

With the game tied at 16 and the clock winding down, running back Kyree Bowles led the charge down field and kicker Connor Hughes hit a 33-yard field goal with four seconds left to give the Crusaders a 19-16 victory and their first win of the season in a Colonial League football game played at Montford Illick Stadium.

"I was glad the offense put me in a position to make a kick and win the game," Hughes said. "Glad the offense got us down to this side of the field. I felt confident in my team that they would block and get the hold down and I could get the kick through."

Bowles ran for over 50 yards in the final drive and finished with 209 and a touchdown.

"The line had a big week," Bowles said. "I credit every yard I get to the linemen. It all starts up front with the big boys."

Hughes hit a 41-yard field goal to open up the scoring in the second quarter and Bowles had a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Notre Dame a 10-0 lead heading into halftime. But Saucon Valley came roaring back.

Senior quarterback Kenny Solt had a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to cut the lead to 10-7. Early in the fourth quarter, senior kicker Megan Huston connected on a 33-yard attempt, the first of her career, and the game was tied.

"I think we came out and we were a little excited and we fell off a bit," Bowles said. "Once it seemed like we needed more urgency, we picked it back up so we could finish the game off."

Senior running back Dysean Alexander's 4-yard rushing touchdown put Notre Dame back on top but the Crusaders failed to convert a two-point conversion, attempting a fake field goal passing play.

Saucon Valley then tied the game as Solt rushed for an 8-yard touchdown with less than two minutes remaining. But Notre Dame kept the game tied, blocking Huston's extra point attempt and executed the two-minute drill to perfection that culminated in Hughes' 33-yard game winner.

"It's huge, just to give Coach (Chuck) Muller this, he deserves it," Hughes said. "He's a great coach and he has never given up on us the entire season."

Alexander totaled 27 yards on the ground and added 20 receiving. Senior quarterback Gary Poulson completed 3 of 9 pass attempts for 33 yards and an interception.

Solt led Saucon Valley's attack, finishing with two rushing touchdowns and 78 yards on the ground. Junior running back Matt Laub rushed for 85 yards on 17 attempts.

Notre Dame nearly earned its first win last weekend against Southern Lehigh but fell 34-28. The victory could be a confidence-builder for the Crusaders.

"It's just great to try and help turn the program around for us in the last three games we have and for the younger guys over the next three seasons," Hughes said.

Notre Dame hosts Palisades (1-6) next Friday at 7 p.m.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/10/notre_dame_high_school_footbal_1.html