Kean’s win total hits the century mark

Victory over Webutuck produces a milestone in Eldred’s coach’s career

By RICHARD A. ROSS

WEBUTUCK, NY — Playing on the road against a revitalized Webutuck team still in search of its first win proved a major challenge for Coach Frank Kean and his defending Class D champion Yellow Jackets on September 23.

But after falling behind early to the tune of 12-0, Eldred players delivered their coach his 100th win in a career that dates back to 1975. Kean coached for two decades before leaving to devote all his attention to Pop Warner football. He reassumed the mantle as Eldred’s head coach in 2000.

Kean, who finally reached the mountaintop last year as his team defeated Chester for the Division V and Section 9 titles, was gratified to see the Yellow Jackets play hard for 48 minutes and come from behind.

Kean has always taught the young men in his charge that life is filled with challenges and that they had what it takes to face them. That adage proved true once again.

Webutuck is undermanned to say the least, but it’s quality, not quantity that matters. Putting aside an interception by Eldred defensive back Nick McCormick on the game’s first play, the Warriors held mighty Eldred to four-and-out.

Using good field position, the Warriors needed only four plays to score when Charlie Cafiero ripped off a 26-yard run, followed by runs by Andrew Durant and Tierre Spruill. Quarterback Cody Cafiero scored on an 11-yard keeper. The Warriors failed on the two-point conversion try, but led 6-0.

Eldred suffered from bad snaps from center on its next two series, the second of which gave Webutuck the ball on the Eldred 22. Spruill capped off a short drive with a 21-yard run up the middle. Those who watched the Section 9 track meet last spring would not have been surprised by his blazing speed.

Once again, the two-point conversion failed, but the Warriors led 12-0.

Eldred nearly came up dry on its next series that took them to the Warriors’ one-yard line, where McCormick fumbled into the end zone. Fortunately, an alert Nick Simonelli fell on the pigskin to give the Yellow Jackets six points. Phil Talley’s kick sailed wide left. The score stood at 12-6 at halftime.

Defenses stiffened but Cody Cafiero picked off a McCormick pass at the Warriors’ two-yard line.

Pinned down by Eldred’s staunch defense, Webutuck gave up a safety as Eldred’s Tom Compasso tackled Webutuck’s Steve Lounsbury in the end zone to make it 12-8.

A fine kick return by McCormick and eight efficient plays set up Eldred’s winning score. On a third-and-11 at the 25, McCormick threw a perfect strike to Compasso. McCormick found Kojo Williams with a pass for the two-point conversion to reach the game’s final tally of 16-12.

Webutuck (0-4) travels to take on LMR on September 30, a team also in search of its first win. Eldred (3-1) will host winless Liberty the same afternoon.

Stat Line

Rushing: Eldred, 37 carries for 81 yards; Webutuck, 31 carries for 62 yards.

Prunka, 19/73; Spruill, 10/9.

Passing: Eldred, McCormick, 4-for-14 for 63 yards and one interception; Webutuck, Cafiero, two-for-eight for 18 yards with one interception.

Receiving: Eldred, Williams, one for 35 yards, Compasso, one for 25 yards; Webutuck, Durant, one for 16 yards.