Kelly Makes Crucial Plays in Lions Win

Sophomore quarterback Tom Kelly, and the rest of his Lion teammates ran into trouble in the first half of their game Saturday afternoon at Toms River East, trailing 7-0.

The "young pup", as Lou Vircillo, Lions head coach described him, struggled going 0-5 with an interception in the Lions first half. However, a resilient second half performance filled with heart made all the difference in the Lions 28-7 win.

"He's doing everything he can, learning on the run," said Vircillo, "Other teams know that and come after us like sharks, putting a lot of pressure on us."

Kelly's first completion was certainly crucial, as he tossed a pass over the middle to senior Joe DeTroia on fourth and five for a 20 yard touchdown pass. It was the first drive of the quarter for the Lions and second fourth down conversion of the drive. On fourth and two from the East 34, tailback Kyle Spatz picked up four. East managed to block the extra point and narrowly held a 7-6 lead.

Later in the quarter, taking over inside East territory for the third time in as many possessions, Lacey made the Raiders pay for fumbling the snap on a punt as they would take over on the East 18.

Kyle Spatz gained 15 more down to the three just as the fourth quarter started, and two plays later, Kelly took the snap and rushed in for the go-ahead score. On the two point conversion attempt, Kelly rolled right and hit senior fullback Jake Timony in the end zone, putting the Lions up 14-7 early in the fourth quarter.

"He is out there running for his life with the pressure on him, defenses are taking chances to see if our passing game will catch up," said Vircillo.

The ensuing kickoff bounced around long enough for Lacey to fall on it. Spatz would find the end zone on a 35 yard touchdown run, making the score 21-7 as Liem Dolly made the extra point. 

Lacey leaned heavily on Spatz, who rushed the ball 32 times for 170 yards and a touchdown. 110 of those yards came in the second half.

Jake Timony got great pressure on the Raider quarterback the next series, forcing a three and out. 

Kelly's most impressive throw came on third and five on the Lions 37. After two running plays it looked as if Lacey was going to take some time off the clock, Kelly faked a handoff and threw the ball to an open Jordan Powell who went 63 yards for the score, putting the Lions up 28-7 with 6:49 to play.

"All of them feel good," said Vircillo, talking about the win, "Winning is not easy, you have to cherish each one."

Field position and the defense holding the Raiders both played big roles in the game Saturday, with Lacey taking over in East territory seven times.

"Both teams battled the wind on kickoffs and punts, out defense did a great job keeping them pinned deep," said Vircillo, "It can be difficult and wear you down not being able to take advantage of the position though."

The Lions next game will be Saturday at home against a tough Central Regional team.