Gold defense shuts down 424th

Reserve Gold’s reliable defense shut out 424th SCMS and delivered a touchdown to boot in their 14-0 intramural football victory Sept. 27.

Despite the shutout, the game pivoted on a few key plays. Reserve Gold got the ball on downs at the 424th’s 14 yard line for a two-play TD drive; Supply Chain Management Squadron’s Brandon Apollonio pulled down an interception deep in Gold territory, but it was called back on a holding penalty.

“We knew we would be in a battle with the 424th,” Reserve Gold quarterback and coach Jim Gasaway said after the game. “They have a very competitive team, and we knew it would be a tight contest. Once again, our defense bailed us out of trouble.”

Reserve Gold has held their opponents scoreless in their first four games. 

Kelvin “Coach K” Ervin said the game went according to the 424th’s plan, but “there were a few calls that didn’t go our way. But Reserve Gold is a solid team.  We look forward to playing them again later in the season and returning the favor.”

The 424th SCMS stalled in the first possession, handing the ball to Reserve Gold at the 424th 35 yard line after an incomplete on a fourth down attempt.

Brett Nims revved up Reserve Gold’s first drive with a 26-yard gain to the 5. SMCS’ defense shut them down the next four plays, leaving Gold scoreless. Gasaway was sacked on a fourth down try.

It wasn’t long before Reserve Gold got another red zone try. The 424th’s offense went nowhere, turning over the ball on downs at their 14.

Reserve Gold struck fast. Gasaway pitched to his right to Jacob Bacon, who was tackled a half-yard from the goal. On the next play Gasaway pushed out an up-the-middle shovel pass to Anthony Lee for the TD. The game was 7-0 with the extra point.

SCMS’ offense struggled again as Reserve Gold wouldn’t allow a first down. The 424th got out of the hole, though, with a 25-yard punt.

Reserve Gold began its longest drive of the day on the SCMS 45. Two Gasaway scrambles and a few aerial strikes moved the team to the SCMS 15 yard line in seven plays.

A QB sack, however, set Reserve Gold back to the 19. Reserve Gold opted for a field goal from there with halftime closing in. The kick was no good.

Reserve Gold started cold in the third quarter, going for a punt after three incompletes. A strong kick put the ball at SCMS’ 30 yard line.

Still only down by seven, SCMS mounted its longest march of the game next.

QB Michael Elliott ran for 11 yards. DeAnthony Limbrick zoomed past the 50 with a 19-yard jog to the 40 yard line. After three short passes only gained 5 yards, SCMS charged back to the offensive line for a no-huddle, fourth-down TD attempt. Reserve Gold shut it down with a sack.

Reserve Gold couldn’t score on the next possession and SCMS regained the ball on their own 17 after a punt. On the 424th’s second play, Reserve Gold’s Brian VanCuren took down a pass around the 25 yard line and trotted in for 6. The kick sealed the score, 14-0.