Charlotte Catholic’s strong opening too much for Cook Cup rival Charlotte Country Day
JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver. com
Charlotte Catholic’s Michael Neel rushes into the end zone for a touchdown against Charlotte Country Day during first-quarter action at Charlotte Country Day on Friday. It was one of the Cougars’ five scores in the first half.
The visiting Charlotte Catholic Cougars dominated their annual Cook Cup game with Charlotte Country Day, scoring five times in the first half and shutting down the Buccaneers to cruise to a 45-6 victory.
Catholic wasted little time getting on the board, getting a 5-yard scoring run from Lamagea McDowell on its fifth play from scrimmage.
After a spectacular interception by Catholic’s Ty Foley where he dove, tipped the ball in the air then came down with the pick, Michael Neel scored on a 20-yard run for a 14-0 lead.
In the second quarter Catholic poured it on. First, Milan Howard scored on a 12-yard run. Then Neel showed his speed, going down the left sideline for a 70-yard scoring run and closing the half with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Chris Walton.
Catholic racked up 289 yards in the opening half and held Country Day to just 86 as it posted their fifth straight victory in the Cook Cup series. Neel racked up 148 total yards for Catholic and Howard added 143 in just over a half of action.
Quote: “He (Neel) is kind of our Christian McCaffrey,” Catholic head coach Mike Brodowicz said. “Michael can do a lot on the field, he’s a strong blocker who can catch the ball out of the backfield and has good speed. ... He showed it tonight.”
Worth mentioning:
• Catholic unveiled a different uniform combination for the contest, wearing its usual white jerseys with red trim but black pants. Catholic coaches said it was the second time they remembered wearing them.
• Catholic has had superstar running backs like Jaret Anderson and Elijah Hood but this year what makes the Cougars so tough is depth. McDowell, Neel and Howard are all capable to making big plays and a defense can’t key on one player. If defenses get too close to the line, Walton is a capable passer.
• Country Day has started the season with two of the best teams in the area — Myers Park and Catholic. Not having its best offensive player, Tim Newman, or starting quarterback John Calhoun (both injured) didn’t help, either.
Records: Catholic improves to 3-0 while Country Day drops to 0-2.
What's Next: Charlotte Catholic will host Ardrey Kell while Country Day will host Wake Christian.
JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver. com
Charlotte Catholic’s Michael Neel rushes into the end zone for a touchdown against Charlotte Country Day during first-quarter action at Charlotte Country Day on Friday. It was one of the Cougars’ five scores in the first half.
The visiting Charlotte Catholic Cougars dominated their annual Cook Cup game with Charlotte Country Day, scoring five times in the first half and shutting down the Buccaneers to cruise to a 45-6 victory.
Catholic wasted little time getting on the board, getting a 5-yard scoring run from Lamagea McDowell on its fifth play from scrimmage.
After a spectacular interception by Catholic’s Ty Foley where he dove, tipped the ball in the air then came down with the pick, Michael Neel scored on a 20-yard run for a 14-0 lead.
In the second quarter Catholic poured it on. First, Milan Howard scored on a 12-yard run. Then Neel showed his speed, going down the left sideline for a 70-yard scoring run and closing the half with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Chris Walton.
Catholic racked up 289 yards in the opening half and held Country Day to just 86 as it posted their fifth straight victory in the Cook Cup series. Neel racked up 148 total yards for Catholic and Howard added 143 in just over a half of action.
Quote: “He (Neel) is kind of our Christian McCaffrey,” Catholic head coach Mike Brodowicz said. “Michael can do a lot on the field, he’s a strong blocker who can catch the ball out of the backfield and has good speed. ... He showed it tonight.”
Worth mentioning:
• Catholic unveiled a different uniform combination for the contest, wearing its usual white jerseys with red trim but black pants. Catholic coaches said it was the second time they remembered wearing them.
• Catholic has had superstar running backs like Jaret Anderson and Elijah Hood but this year what makes the Cougars so tough is depth. McDowell, Neel and Howard are all capable to making big plays and a defense can’t key on one player. If defenses get too close to the line, Walton is a capable passer.
• Country Day has started the season with two of the best teams in the area — Myers Park and Catholic. Not having its best offensive player, Tim Newman, or starting quarterback John Calhoun (both injured) didn’t help, either.
Records: Catholic improves to 3-0 while Country Day drops to 0-2.
What's Next: Charlotte Catholic will host Ardrey Kell while Country Day will host Wake Christian.
