Patient Titans use defense, second-half score to prevail

Uplift had Kelvyn Park reeling most of the game, yet they found themselves trailing at halftime.

After tightening up their approach while remaining an impenetrable wall on defense the Titans narrowly edged Kelvyn Park 8-6 last Thursday at Jorndt Field.

A fumble led to an early 6-0 lead for Kelvyn Park (0-4, 0-2), which held until halftime.

After the break Uplift (3-1, 2-0) played with patience and put together a 10-play drive.

First, Terrence Willis ran for 40 yards to take the ball down to the 20-yard line and into the red zone. Willis went ahead and capped off the drive, taking a hand-off to the outside where he bounced off one man and avoided a tackle as he crept into the end zone for a 6-6 tie.

Taking the ball once again on the two-point conversion Willis ran a counter for the extra points and the eventual 8-6 victory.

"We pretty much caught them on their heels at the time," Titans head coach Rick Alboyd said.

Before it was over Kelvyn Park made the tight game tighter, benefiting from three penalties late in the fourth quarter to take the ball down to the five-yard line.

With 16 seconds to play Jameel Carter almost made another big play in his young career, stepping in front of and nearly intercepting a pass as he caught it but landed out of bounds. With six ticks left on the clock Uplift's defense stopped a run on fourth down as the clock ran out, securing the win.

"It was tense, but we did that to ourselves," Alboyd said. "They didn't move the ball, we did it. (Jameel's near interception) was probably the best play of the game. I was upset with the performance but was happy to get the win."

Ambrose Walker had a big 15-yard reception to help put Willis in position to score. The mostly underclassman-led team keeps proving their abilities behind the few returning starters.

"The freshman are stepping up, they're playing big and coming up with the big plays," Alboyd said. "This is a boost of confidence going forward, and for a lot of them playing on the varsity level for the first time this is good, and it's a good win for the team."

Uplift continues to improve with only eight returning players. With the offense having numerous chances to score that should translate into more touchdowns later in the season.

"There was probably three other touchdowns that should've happened," Alboyd said. "With the slips and falls, I thought there was imaginary men out there. It was one of those days."

The offensive line is opening up running lanes for Uplift, who could become a potent team if the mental mistakes stop interfering with the physical play.

Sophomore Kevin Peterson is helping solidify the front line, playing center and defensive tackle.

"He's my workhorse, he doesn't come off the field," Alboyd said. "He's a threat, too because he brings the work to the team, he pushes hard. On offense, we didn't have problems, we were getting seven, eight yards a pop, just a lot of mistakes, and more mental than physical."

A close lost last year to Rickover has Uplift seeking revenge this year when the team's play at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Jorndt Field for Uplift's homecoming.

"It's a real big game, they are looking forward to the game," said Alboyd of a 12-8 loss to Rickover last year. "After the loss last year we had a real bitter taste in the mouth. It should be a real exciting game."