Friars force four turnovers and limit Riverdale Baptist to just 50 yards on the ground

Archbishop Curley, known for a clock controlling ground game, flashed a vastly improved defense, yesterday in its 2007 football season opener, as the Friars clamped down on a solid Riverdale Baptist squad to a claim a 21-7 victory.

Curley limited Riverdale Baptist to just 50 yards rushing and forced four turnovers.

"We had a tough game with them last year and they brought back their entire team, so I was impressed with our defensive effort today," said Curley coach Sean Murphy.

UConnn-bound senior linebacker Jerome Junior led the defense with seven tackles and a fumble recovery, while Andrew Seller made eight stops. Joe Petrides and Brandon Gwaltney each had six tackles, and Gwaltney added a fumble recovery. In addition, junior Terrance Dandridge and senior Brad Waltman had the interceptions.

Offensively, Curley had severn different backs carry the ball, as it introduced an entirely new set of runners to its prolific double wing attack. Waltman, Junior, Dandridge and Milton Budd led the way, with 30-40 yards each, with Waltman, Junior and Budd all scoring on short runs.

"Our only scrimmage was cut short because of heat, so this was the first time that our backs and line have had an opportunity to work together for an extended time," said Murphy. "We only rushed for 185 yards, which is low for us, and we saw plenty of area where we can improve."

Curley, which opened the season at #15 in the local rankings, will move on to an even bigger challenge next Saturday, as they visit #1 McDonogh, who will be playing its season opener.

Archbishop Curley 21, Riverdale Baptist 7
RB - 0 - 7 - 0 - 0 - 7
AC - 0 - 14 - 7 - 0 - 21

2nd
AC-Waltman 4 run (Peery kick)
RB-n/a 6 pass from n/a (kick good)
AC-Junior 4 run (Peery kick)

3rd
AC-Budd 1 run (Peery kick)