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Lions' Offense Struggles to Produce in Loss

Lacey falls to Barnegat as the Lions' offense gains just three first downs

Early in the game between Lacey and Barnegat on Saturday, it was clear defense was going to play a huge role for both football squads.

Lacey had plenty of trouble trying to move the ball. At the same time, Barnegat was able to take advantage of a few Lacey mistakes to beat the Lions 26-2.

In fact, Lacey had just a single first down until late in the third quarter. Trailing Barnegat by 7 points, sophomore quarterback Tom Kelly passed to senior Joe Detroia on third-and-15, and Detroia picked up 35 yards on the play to reach midfield. Lacey drove as far as the Bengals' 1-yard line but the drive stalled and Barnegat took over. 

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On the next play, Barnegat was called for holding in the end zone, giving Lacey a safety and allowing the Lions to draw to within 7-2.

When Lacey got the ball back, Barnegat defensive back Pat Moran intercepted a pass and returned it to the Lions' 6. Two plays later Barnegat was in the end zone, starting the Bengals on a roll. The Bengals scored a touchdown on their next possession, and then intercepted Kelly with 3:17 left and returned that one for six more points.

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"I think it is a two-way street," said Lions head coach Lou Vircillo, "We had difficulties offensively, drives and scoring, I have have to do a better job."

Kyle Spatz rushed the ball 23 times for 50 yards, and was held to no gain or a loss of yards on eight of the carries.

Although heading home with the loss, the Lions played strong defensively and kept their team in the game as long as possible. The score was just 7-0 Barnegat at the half, coming off a 51-yard catch-and-run on a broken play.

The Lions forced punts on seven of the first eight Barnegat drives. The interception returned for a score and near interception return put the defensive on the field in tough spots. 

"At halftime we went over some new preparation, we were having a tough time moving the ball and knew we needed to score a couple," said Vircillo.

Kelly threw the ball 17 times for seven completions and 74 yards, along with three interceptions, all coming in the fourth quarter.

Lacey has appeared to find consistency from the early season as Tom Kelly took all the snaps and Spatz has blossomed into the lead back.

"They still have a lot of developing to do," said Vircillo, "We're not quite there yet."

Next Saturday, Lacey will travel to Toms River East for a 1 p.m. game against the Raiders.

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