Carey dominates Wantagh behind QB Zahradka, LB Daddino
Carey's QB #11 Kyle Zahradka makes a run for the end zone during their game against Wantagh. (Oct. 9, 2010) Credit: Joe Rogate
If anyone was wondering if the Carey football team was for real - they should wonder no more. This Carey team is championship caliber.
They've dusted the top two contenders in Nassau Conference II. Saturday, the Seahawks marched into Wantagh and dismantled the conference's top defense with a 30-0 thrashing before a crowd of more than 700.
This one got away from Wantagh in a hurry. Carey scored on its first four possessions to build a 27-0 halftime lead. Quarterback Kyle Zahradka engineered four straight touchdown drives as the Seahawks used a stout defense to stymie Wantagh and allow the offense to go to work on a short field.
"They put us into the wind, the defense made some stops and they jumped all over us," said Wantagh coach Keith Sachs. "We never recovered from the early deficit. We never really had the chance."
The Carey defense led by linebacker John Daddino, who had nine tackles, and defensive back Stephen Marino, who had an interception and three pass knock downs, forced Wantagh into six consecutive three and out possessions. The Warriors didn't get a first down until 38 seconds were left in the half.
"It's all in the film and we study our opponents every morning," Daddino said. "We're putting in the time and it shows in our performance."
Carey (5-0) opened the scoring after a short punt helped the Seahawks start at the Wantagh 44. Three plays later, Rob Zorn scored on an 7-yard run and the rout was on. Marino added the kick to make it 7-0 with 9:21 left in the first.
Carey extended the lead as Zahradka executed a couple of nice read options. He pulled the ball from Zorn on consecutive plays to find gaping holes in the defense and rush for 19 and 24 yards to set up his 1-yard scoring run with 5:17 left in the first quarter.
"He runs hard between the tackles and he made some excellent reads," said Carey coach Mike Stanley. "He gives us that added dimension because he also throws well."
Carey frustrated an offense that averages 30 points per game. The Seahawks allowed only 18 yards in 18 plays as the offense built the 27-point lead.
Halfback Juliano Bove broke loose for a 31-yard run and punctuated the third scoring drive with a memorable scoring run. Bove went on a sweep right and found a wall of defenders, so he reversed his field and outran the pursuit across the field to score on an 9-yard run for the 21-0 lead.
Zahradka completed four of seven passes for 59 yards and rushed for 79 yards on 11 carries. His 30-yard pass to a leaping Marino at the Wantagh three set up his 3-yard scoring run with 11:29 left in the half.
"We still had to defend a very tricky offense," Stanley said. "You have to be accountable for all those athletes and our guys did a great job."
While the defense was shutting down Wantagh, the Carey offensive line of Kyle's brother Drew Zahradka at center, guards Matt Lucito and Sean Nagy and tackles Craig Samson and Peter Nicholls were paving the way for Zorn, who carried 23 times for 200 yards.
"We've developed a great team chemistry," said Zorn. "The line has been outstanding. There were some great lanes to run through. And when I got hit I just stayed low and kept my feet moving."
Zorn had seven runs of more than 14 yards and on one drive busted loose for a 38-yarder from the Wantagh 7. He was caught from behind at the Wantagh 48.
"Everything's going well but I do wish I was a little faster," said Zorn, who had 82 of his yards after contact.
"Zorn is like a wrecking ball or a pinball," said Kyle Zahradka. "He's hard to take down."
So is Carey.
