Irish Pound Out Yet Another Impressive Win

High School Football:
Irish Pound Out Yet Another Impressive Win
Thursday, September 25, 2003

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

The coaching staff on the sideline of Camden Catholic remained calm when the start of this game looked as if the upset-minded Pirates from Cinnaminson might have the emotional edge after scoring on their first play of the game. Their patience was tested up until the second quarter when the Irish offense finally kicked into high gear and then never looked back after breaking the seven all tie. Runningback Mike McIlwain scored twice, quarterback Sean Scanlon threw for one and scored a touchdown himself and the defense got into the scoring act posting a 48-13 road victory.

Last year when these two teams met, the Pirates, as good as they were then, were shut out as they watch Camden Catholic score over thirty points. Right after that game, Cinnaminson went on a five game winning streak to put the in the playoffs as the third seeded team. At the start of this game, the Pirates were not going to let their Burlington-Olympic National Division opponents just walk onto their field and hold them scoreless like last year. Well, Camden Catholic had other plans as they were looking to continue their winning streak.

Camden Catholic would receive the ball to start the game, but a fumble on the kickoff was recovered by the Pirates gave them excellent field position. On their first play of game, Kesner Saintvil had a whole that he didn’t miss and ran 33 yards for the score. Cinnaminson’s early lead was good enough to remove any doubts that they couldn’t score against arguably the best team in our area. The Irish would get things going when McIlwain scored once in the first quarter, 5 yards out, and then again in the second quarter from 3 yards out.

The second half of this game was all Camden Catholic dashing the hopes of Cinnaminson upsetting the Irish. Quarterback Scanlon connected with Shane Kendrick for a 42-yard touchdown reception right before the half. Camden Catholic’s thirteen point lead was not enough as Scanlon, Matt Colucci and Mike Flacco all scored rushing touchdowns. The defense also recorded a touchdown when Derrick Cooper intercepted a pass and scored from 16 yards out. Michael Park connected with Tim Durkin to round out the scoring for Cinnaminson.

Photos by Mark Fletcher