Big Win for South over Carmel

Make it two straight in the win column for the Clarkstown South Vikings as they eked out a 14-11 victory over the Rams of Carmel High School.

After accumulating a paltry -10 yards on their first two possessions, it looked like this would be a long night for the Vikings. However, their defense kept them in the game with a huge goal line stand in which Carmel had four chances from the one yard line but couldn’t punch it in. This was crucial, as the Rams were already leading 3-0, and a touchdown in that situation would have put South in deep trouble.

Neither squad scored for the rest of the half, and the teams left the field with Carmel in front 3-0.

This break turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for South as they dominated the second half of play.

Just 3 ½ minutes into the third, the Vikings scored on a 2-yard touchdown run by Hassan Auwater which was set up via a 43-yard scamper by Tommy Kiernan. On South’s next possession, it was Hassan who set up Kiernan from two yards out, as the Vikings took a 14-3 lead.

Carmel answered on a twelve-yard TD pass followed by a two-point conversion with 8:35 remaining, bringing the score to 14-11. Trevor Byrnes returned the ensuing kickoff to the Rams’ 38 yard line, but the Vikings gave it back to Carmel on an interception thrown by Nick Palumbo. Carmel couldn’t capitalize on this opportunity, and didn’t get a better chance the rest of the night. Their offense couldn’t get anything going against the stingy South defense, and the Vikes held on for the 14-11 victory.

Clarkstown will face a stiff test next week as they go up against 4-0 John Jay, hoping to build on their current two-game winning streak.