Frazier scores 20 unanswered points to beat Rockets, 27-6
Jefferson-Morgan's Tyler Bowman brings down Frazier's Kyle Rodriguez during the first period of play at the Rockets' field Friday night.
Frazier's Anthony Kudyba goes for a gain in the 1st quarter of Friday's game at Jefferson. Defending on the play are Jeff-Morgan's Jesse Jento (32) and Tyler Bowman (13).
Jefferson-Morgan Tyler Bowman (13) breaks up a pass intended for a Frazier player.
Jefferson-Morgan's Dustin Conti (21) gives Frazier's Jamie Fell a stiff-arm in 1st period of play at the Rockets field.
JEFFERSON — Frazier scored 20 unanswered points in the second half and cruised to a 27-6 Tri-County South victory over Jefferson-Morgan Friday night.
After the Rockets (1-2, 1-1) cut the deficit to 7-6 following a Joe Phillips seven-yard fumble return for a score with 2:01 left in the second quarter, the Commodores’ (2-1, 1-1) passing attack, led by quarterback Rock Vargo, caught fire in the final 24 minutes.
Vargo passed for 221 yards on 14-of-25 passing night with three touchdown strikes. The 5-foot-11, 199-pound signal collar had a 40-yard and 13-yard scores to tight end Charles Manack and a 10-yard touchdown on a slant route by Kyle Rodriguez.
“We just couldn’t finish in the first two quarters,” Vargo said. “In the second half, we were sound and were able to execute our offense. We have a lot of good receivers out there, and I have a lot of confidence in all of them. We got the running game going tonight, and that is a huge thing for us. The run opens up the pass, and vice versa.”
Frazier’s rushing attack was led by Anthony Kudyba who piled up 77 yards on 15 carries and a trip to the end zone.
“Obviously we made several mistakes in that first half,” Frazier coach Mike Steeber said. “We missed some assignments and just didn’t make the big plays on offense. In the second half, we eliminated the penalties and the mistakes. We took care of our opportunities and had balance on offense. We have a couple of backs that helps us out, and Rock had another solid passing game.”
After a scoreless first quarter, Frazier drew first blood with a touchdown connection from Vargo to Rodriguez on fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line. The throw capped off a 12-play drive, covering 73 yards.
The Rockets tried to respond on their next possession, but the offense stalled near midfield and Phillips booted a punt to the seven-yard line. One play later Zachary Mastowksi fumbled and Phillips alertly picked it up for the score.
In the third, the Commodores scored touchdown on its first two possessions, going 62 yards on seven plays and 78 yards on four plays, to go up 20-6.
Frazier iced the game with 6:45 left in the game, as Vargo threw his final touchdown of the night, as he passed for 158-second-half yards.
“They hit some passes on us in the second half, and I don’t have an answer on why their passing game was better in the second half,” J-M coach Jan Haiden said. “We are going to have to watch the film, and hopefully learn from it. Our offense is struggling, and the only thing we can do is to continue to work at it.”
The Commodores’ defense, which posted a shutout against West Greene last week, didn’t surrender a touchdown again and held the Rockets’ rushing attack at bay while putting constant pressure on J-M’s quarterback.
“Defensively, we are disciplind and we know our assignments,” Steeber said. “They have been a tremendous asset to our team this season, and hopefully that will continue, as we face off with tougher teams within the section.”
Both teams ate on the road in Week 4, as Frazier ventures to non-conference foe Bishop Canevin, and J-M travels to Geibel Catholic on Saturday.
Tri-County South Conference
Frazier 27, Jefferson-Morgan 6
at Jefferson-Morgan
Second Quarter
F: Kyle Rodriguez 10 pass from Rock Vargo (Rodriguez kick), 6:37 (7-0)
JM: Joe Phillips 7 fumble return (kick blocked), 2:01 (7-6)
Third Quarter
F: Anthony Kudyba 6 run (Rodriguez kick), 10:03 (14-6)
F: Charles Manack 40 pass from Vargo (kick blocked), 6:27 (20-6)
Fourth Quarter
F: Manack 13 pass from Vargo (Rodriguez kick), 6:45 (27-6)