Lopez' gamble gets Weehawken back to .500

Thursday, November 28, 2002

By Cory K. Doviak
NJS.com Editorial Director


Linebacker Ryan McLaughlin (55) closing in on Secuacus running back Josue Molina.

WEEHAWKEN - Even though it came on the final day of a season in which Weehawken did not make the playoffs, it certainly was a game in which the Indians had plenty to play for. Not only was it the annual rivalry game against Secaucus, it was also a chance for Weehawken to break even for the season after going 0-10 in 2001.

So when the opportunity presented itself head coach Anthony Stratton saw his team take a gamble that turned into defining play of Weehawken's
21-7 win.

After seeing Secaucus (4-6) tie the score on a 14-yard scoring strike from Joe Prestimonico to Shawn Collins that was set up by a Danny Lopez punt that traveled just 13 yards into a brutal wind. One stalled drive later and Lopez was again in punt formation deep in his own end staring at a fourth-and long with the same artic blasts blowing right at him.

The fake punt that Danny Lopez called on his own turned the tide in Weehawken's favor.

This time Lopez took the snap, ran around the left end and sped 35 yards to the Secaucus 42.

"The fake punt, a great call on their part," said Secaucus head coach Charlie Voorhees, whose team was also playing to reach .500 for the season. "It kind of surprised us."

In a circumstance where the risk reward was great on both sides, the fake punt was a great call by Stratton, or at least it appeared.

"I am going to be honest, Danny Lopez took it on his own," said Stratton, of the game turning play. "He was punting into the wind, he figured (he might hit) another five yard punt and he took it on his own. He's got the green light."

Four plays later Lopez swept the left corner again, this time from his conventional running back position, for the 23-yard score that put Weehawken up for good. Lopez also faked the extra point then saw his holder, quarterback Chris Jodice, hit Tito Veras for a two-pointer that made the score 15-7.

Shawn Collins, who scored Secaucus' lone TD, hauling in a pass in front of Weehawken's Tito Veras.

Special teams were the difference for Weehawken all night, starting from the very first play. Alfredo Alvarez returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for the 7-0 lead that the Indians would hold until Collins' TD catch with 2:40 to play in the third quarter.

On the kickoff after Weehawken took the lead back, the ball - maybe by design, probably not - squibbed up along the right sideline and was recovered by the Indians' Xavier Rosado.

Secaucus' defense, which played well all night, held on that drive forcing a turnover on downs at its own 11, but it changed field position and made the Patriots start their final two possessions from deep in their own end and going into the wind.

Weehawken's Dave LoRocco finished the game's scoring late in the fourth quarter.

Dave LoRocco closed the scoring with a nine-yard run with 2:24 to go in the final quarter and, even though its next game is 10 months away, Weehawken is planning on carrying the momentum all the way through to next season, when it loses just three starters.

According to Stratton, this is only the fourth Weehawken team to finish the season at or above .500.

"We were 0-10 last season and to make it at 5-5 I told these guys that only three other teams in Weehawken history have made that accomplishment," said Stratton. "These guys are already talking about States as far as next year goes, they just have to make the commitment in the offseason."

Secaucus' season was hampered by injuries as evidenced by a roster that was short seven players on Wednesday night. The Patriots were 12 days removed from a consolation game win over Ridgefield and had themselves in a position to win on until Weehawken's special teams turned the tide.

"We've been in games like this all year long. Where as last year we won all the close games, this year we went 4-4 in the close games and got blown out twice," said Voorhees. "But we are thinking positively and we'll go to work on next year."

For more pictures from this game, check out the NJS.com School Store!

NorthJerseySports.com Information Box:

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS?
We want to hear from you! Let us know what you thought of this story just click here to send an e-mail to the author.

CHECK OUT OUR COLLECTIBLE COVERAGE:
BUY PICTURES | BUY STORY PRINT | ORDER A VIDEO

Cory K. Doviak