[ back ]
3-0 Solon still looks to improve
(by Tony Lange - September 14, 2011)
3-0 Solon still looks to improve
By Tony Lange
The Comets (3-0) handed Akron Buchtel (0-3) its third road loss of the season last Friday night during a 28-2 victory at Stewart Field.
Solon played well at times, head coach Jim McQuaide said.
"I think in the first part of the game we made some plays on offense, we made some plays on defense, we made some plays with our special teams," he said. "But also know we made some mistakes in all three of those aspects, so we still have a lot to work to correct and fix certain things as we get ready for the next game."
One play that stood out was the Comets' punt team that gave up a safety on a bad snap, McQuaide said.
The highlight of special teams was an 84-yard kickoff return by Darian Hicks in the third quarter, he said.
"Well, special teams-wise we returned a kick for a touchdown again," McQuaide said. "So, Darian Hicks, this is his second one in three games. We spend a lot of time on special teams, so they've done a good job with that."
Defensively, the Comets' were solid, only allowing Buchtel 65 yards rushing and 99 yards passing on 53 plays. Nick Davidson led the team with 13 tackles. He has 29 on the season. Davidson also scored a 1-yard touchdown rush late in the third quarter.
"Our defense was very, very good and for us to be good, our defense needs to be good," McQuaide said. "We've always said that and they continue to do their job."
Offensively, the Comets gained 168 yards rushing and 152 yards passing on 54 plays. Patrick Kramer was 13 of 20 passing, accounting for all of the Comets' air game. He connected with Tres Barksdale for an 11-yard touchdown reception two minutes before halftime to give the Comets a 14-2 lead.
Kramer has a 59 percent completion rate on the season for 380 yards.
Barksdale has six receptions for 113 yards this season.
Meanwhile, with Khoury Crenshaw out with an injury, George Berry led the Comets' ground game against Buchtel with 103 yards on 15 carries including a 5-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He is averaging 5.7 yards a carry on the season.
"Offensively, we did some good things and had some good drives and scored, but we also had drives that sizzled out and we didn't get anything out of it," McQuaide said. "Defensively we did the same thing. We shut them down for a play and then we gave up a couple big plays to give them some hope. So, those are things we have to continue to work on."
The Comets haven't had that whole complete game yet, he said.
During their first three games, the Comets have committed 21 penalties that cost them 164 yards. Meanwhile, their opponents committed 14 penalties for 92 yards.
[ back ]
