Sports
From 0-11 to 1-0: Cathartic Rout Launches Lower Merion's Season
Extreme focus and outstanding offseason preparation led to a convincing win for the Aces.
The Lower Merion Aces started their 2011 football season off strong, notching a one-sided victory against Mastbaum Tech to help . Dominating on both sides of the ball, the Aces were able to trounce the Panthers 34-6.
IN SHORT
From start to finish the Aces had this game in hand. After forcing a fumble on Mastbaum's opening kickoff return, the home team did not look back, converting that turnover into a touchdown drive. This was just the start of what would be a huge day running the ball. The burgundy and black scored in every quarter, and it wasn't until the fourth that Mastbaum was able to salvage a score.
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The ground game consisted of about 95 percent of the Aces' snaps, and that, combined with a major defensive stand, left no room for Mastbaum to compete. Running back Ernest Pendleton had a field day with Mastbaum defenders, and Lower Merion's defense was unyielding on every chance the Panthers got in the red zone.
Quarter
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1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Final
Mastbaum
(0-1)
0
0
0
6
6
Lower Merion
(1-0)
7
14
7
6
34
ACE OF THE GAME: Senior running back Ernest Pendleton was the standout star, scoring 47- and 62-yard touchdowns rushing touchdowns on the way to 125 total yards on more than 15 carries.
OTHER KEY PERFOMANCES
Chris Daly: Daly recorded an interception in the third quarter, which was followed shortly by a Lower Merion touchdown drive.
Mike Duebe: In addition to carrying a huge defensive load at linebacker, Duebe also manufactured a rushing TD on the goal-line when inserted at the fullback position.
COACH'S TAKE
"We're really excited to get the win. This is exactly what we talked about since last season. We've worked extremely hard in the offseason, and we really put everything into this one. This is exactly how we wanted to start the season with a big win, and I'm extremely proud of them." —Head Coach Jon Rothberg
THEY SAID IT
"The feeling is awesome! We came out really focused, and we just wanted it really bad. The offseason preparation was key in our win today." —Starting QB Desmond Ellis
