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DEPLETED ROSTER FALLS
An injury plagued Patriot football team was without several familiar faces as it made its way to Indianapolis
Saturday. Though depleted in numbers, a gutsy effort was made by a small but heart filled crew the
battled all four quarters but came up very short. In the end, less than a score of Patriots marched down to
Indiana in route to a 51-0 loss. Yet, those points accumulated, in part, thanks to a high number of onside
kicks for a team in considerable control of a game.
Quarterback Jon Watson was unavailable for the contest; in his place Mark Merna, a Corner, received his
first career start as a Quarterback. He was the 4th Quarterback to start for the Patriots this season.
Though out numbered, the Patriots started off with an impressive first drive marching just outside of the
Indiana red zone. Fullback Brad Lyon, getting his first start this season at that position, rushed for 28
yards on his first 5 carries during that drive (long of 12) to help set up K Brian Dinnan's lone field goal
attempt. The attempt fell a yard short and the Warriors turned it over on downs.
For nearly the full first ten minutes the Patriots went even with Indiana, twice forcing them to give up the
ball. Yet, the offense went stale as the depleted roster tired with several players seeing double duty on
both sides of the ball. Indiana took an early 14 point lead before they attempted their first of what would
be 4 onside kicks during a game in which they controlled. Lyon recovered that onside kick but the offense
was unable to capitalize on its only short field position of the day.
Merna was able to complete just 3 of his 12 attempts under a heavy pass rush that eventually put him out
of the game. Taking over at Quarterback was Tom Cole Sr., who went 0-3 on completions before giving
way to Chuck Wheeler. The three Quarterbacks combined to complete only 4 passes on the day. This
enabled Indiana to keep 8 players inside the box and concentrate on stopping the run.
Lyon, who started strong, ended the day with only 68 yards on 21 carries. Combined, the team rushed for
98 yards on 40 carries and was held under 150 yards of total offense. Indiana's Offense wasn't barn
burners though. Surprisingly, Indiana totaled only 302 yards of offense but good field position and
additional opportunities with a short field from onside kicks helped propel them to the big win. Additionally,
Indiana scored on two offensive miscues including a fumble by the Patriots in their own end zone.
Defensive End Roberto Bakos brought his season sack total up to 9 with 2 more against Indiana.
Meanwhile, Jarail Griffin and Tom Cole Sr. each had an interception and the defense also recovered two
fumbles.
Genesee County (0-8) returns home to face the Battle Creek Blaze (4-6) Saturday, September 13 at
Atwood Stadium with a 7 PM kick off. They will then end the regular season with another home contest
against the Lapeer County Lions (3-4) Saturday, September 20.
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