ROB ROMANCIK / L’Observateur / October 5, 1998

LAPLACE – The St. Charles Comets annihilated the Berwick Panthers 52 -7 before a large homecoming crowed last night.

It didn’t take long for the Comets to get on the scoreboard or for John Price to get into the action.

Taking a short screen pass from Nick Monica, shedding a couple tackles and after turning on the after-burners, he accelerated up-field for a 52- yard gain. Two plays later Monica hit Wayne Stein with a 12-yardtouchdown pass, and with under two minutes into the game the Comets were on top 7-0.

The Panthers’ first possession set the tone for the game. After a roughingthe passer penalty was called against the Comets, it gave Berwick perfect position across midfield to the 48 of St. Charles. But a miscue from centerto quarterback caused a fumble that Josh Gonzales recovered.

On the second play of that series Monica sent Price deep, and he managed to get a step behind the defender and run 48 yards for a touchdown with 7:30 left in the third period.

Shortly thereafter a tough Comet defense stopped the Panthers on a third down and inches quarterback sneak.

On the next series Julian Ward ran for 35 yards, and after tacking on a hitting out of bounds penalty, the Comets moved the ball inside the 20- yard line. With 2:20 remaining in the first quarter Stein ran it in from 3yards out.

Price could have had his second touchdown of the first quarter, but a 70- yard punt return was called back due to a personal foul on the Comets’ receiving team.

On the first play of second quarter Julian Ward scampered 50 yards on a run play, and two downs later Josh Schexnayder ran it in from the 22 with 11:22 remaining in the half.

The Comets led 28-0 after a good solid drive by Schexnayder. Monica hitStein for a 21-yard pass that made it 35-0 with just over 6 minutes in the second half.

With time running out in the first half, Price hit a 42-yard field goal with little effort. That kick would have been good from 55 yards with a strongwind in front of him.

After a 29-yard run by Schexnayder Stein ran it in from the 5 with 7:12 remaining in the third. That increased the Comets’ lead to 45-0. With over8 minutes left in the game, Doug Friloux added another touchdown with a 20-yard run.

After being intercepted twice, the Panthers decided to keep the ball on the ground, and with 5 seconds left in the game and strong running by Shane Chaisson, Kevin Terrebonne and James Flint, Berwick managed its only touchdown of the evening.

Monica was a perfect 7-7 for 157 yards, and Price had three receptions for 110 yards. The rushing offense acquired 258 yards on 32 attempts.St. Charles Catholic hosts Pine Friday night.

Return To Sports Stories

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

Internet services provided by NeoSoft.

Best viewed with 3.0 or higher