Football: Arlington routs Suffern on Monday after referee-related postponement
They were, of course, ready for some football ― perhaps even more so after having to wait a few additional days for it.
But the seats were full at Arlington High School, packed with students who chose to spend their evening watching Monday night football. Well, a version that ESPN didn't have broadcasting rights to.
A shortage of available officials forced the postponement of the Admirals' home opener, initially scheduled for last Friday, which led to the game on a school night.
"It took the wind out of our sails," linebacker Charlie Mulcahy said of learning about the postponement Friday afternoon. "I felt the energy in school and so many people were hyped for the game. Then, to hear we don't have refs, that was kind of upsetting."
But it was, essentially, a scream deferred.
Because the sideline and the stands were abuzz throughout, the excited fans cheering the dominant performance and even folks not in pads. Among the names chanted was Hannah Freer, an Arlington grad who was photographing the game.
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"It felt great," Admirals coach Michael Morano said. "Getting this kind of support and electricity from our home crowd on a Monday night is everything we could've hoped for."
As was the result. Four runners scored touchdowns, leading an explosive rushing attack, and the defense overwhelmed Suffern in a 38-0 win that, for them, truly was a Monday night party.
"Suffern has been in the back of my mind since last year," said junior Joe McGann, referring to a 28-0 loss to the Mounties last September. "When you're feeling tired in practice, you think about the bad losses and that keeps you going. It's awesome to come back and get a win like this."
What it means
Arlington, tabbed as the Section 1 favorite by some, rebounded from a season-opening loss to Long Island's Kellenberg. In beating Suffern so thoroughly, the Admirals took a step toward affirming their preseason billing and built greater anticipation for their Sept. 30 showdown with defending state champion Carmel.
Player of the Game
McGann, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end, dominated the line and had five tackles for loss in addition to returning a fumble for a touchdown. He also is an excellent blocking tight end who helped the offense move the ball almost exclusively on the ground.
Turning point
Michael Rescigno put the Admirals on the board with a 59-yard touchdown run at the start of the second quarter. The quarterback turned the corner around left tackle, darted up the sideline and slipped a defender as he raced into the end zone.
Arlington then recovered a fumble on Suffern's ensuing possession, which became a theme. The Mounties fumbled eight times, three of which resulted in turnovers, and four contributed to stalled drives, despite moving the ball.
"We stay calm, even after giving up yardage," said Mulcahy, a linebacker. "We're confident that we can make adjustments, check in to plays and lock it up."
Morano also lauded the play of linebacker Daeon Lynch and safety Luke Lavello, along with defensive tackle Jerome Davis, who made his varsity debut and was a key contributor to the shutout.
Aidan Chaffee and James Davenport each ran for 11-yard touchdowns, the latter of which was set up by Rescigno's 35-yard burst off a read option. Rescigno also booted a booming 47-yard field goal that made it 24-0 to end the third. McGann recovered a Suffern fumble inside the 10 and scored.
Third-string running back Nick DeGuisto rushed for 60 yards on a drive, capping it on a 1-yard touchdown run that delighted teammates with 4:45 remaining.
"He works his butt off in practice and got a chance in front of a big crowd and showed everyone what he can do," McGann said of DeGuisto.
Next up
Suffern (0-1) hosts White Plains at 7 p.m. Friday. Arlington (1-1) visits North Rockland at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
"We'll have a three-day practice week, so that's gonna be a challenge in itself," McGann said. "But, hopefully, we use this win as fuel and go make it two in a row."
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Football: Arlington tops Suffern after referee-related postponement
