http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/
FROM KEITH GROLLER
Lost in all of the offensive fireworks on Saturday in Lehigh's remarkable 51-44 double-overtime win over Central Connecticut State was the improved play of the Mountain Hawks defense as the game went on.
And, the defensive effort included a career day by sophomore inside linebacker Noah Robb, a Central Catholic graduate who was making his first career start.
Robb, who had seven tackles in 2012 in five games as a freshman, had 10 tackles, all solos, in Lehigh's amazing victory.
He also picked up his first career interception off a tipped pass.
Lehigh's defense was pushed around for large chunks of the game, but pushed back more effectively after halftime. In particular, the Mountain Hawks held CCSU to a field goal after the Blue Devils staged a 17-play, 83-yard drive that could have put the game away with a touchdown.
And, Lehigh also held CCSU to a field goal attempt on its final drive in regulation and then got the game-winning stop in the second overtime.
"In the first half we had some mental lapses with our young group," Robb said. "In the second half, we ran more blitzes and everyone got more comfortable with what we were doing. That allowed us to play more within ourself and we got more stops.
"Everyone kind of bared down and manned up and did what we had to do. It was nice to see our offense get going. A lot of our energy came from that."
I asked Robb about how this instant classic compared to some of the big games he played at CCHS, especially winning the state title in 2010.
"They're like apples and oranges," Robb said. "I don't know what's more exciting. This just feels a little bigger, I would say."
More big games and performances are bound to come for Robb, who is getting used to playing his third position in three years. He played safety at Central Catholic, outside linebacker as a Lehigh freshman and is now an inside linebacker.
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