66°
EASTON, Conn. Standing at just 5-foot-5 and listed at just 130-pounds, Jack Shaban does not look like a typical football player. He does not look like he could shred a defense for nearly 150-yards rushing. But thats exactly what the sophomore backup quarterback did in a spot start for the Joel Barlow High School football team.
Running the option offense flawlessly, Shaban ran all over the Notre Dame-Fairfield defense for 143 yards on 18 carries. He provided nearly all of Barlows offense, scoring four rushing touchdowns in a 41-14 romp over the Lancers.
Not bad for a backup.
Coach said we were going to rotate quarterbacks, but I didnt think I was going to play that much, Shaban said. I thought we all played well. I couldnt have done that without the offensive line playing like they did. They were blowing guys off the ball.
Notre Dame came out ready to pound away with its featured running back, Nigel Beckford. The Lancers jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead behind Beckfords explosive running and a 42-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Daquan Coleman to Glody Tumba.
Once Barlow realized that Notre Dame had few options other than Beckford, the Falcons shut the big junior down. Shaban turned on the afterburners and Barlow was off and running.
After Notre Dames opening touchdown, Barlow scored on five of its next seven possessions. Barlow benefited from excellent field position all afternoon, starting in Notre Dame territory five times. The Falcons passed just once in the entire game and were intercepted.
We got a little angry when they went out on top first. We got a wakeup call last week and thought we were going to come out here and destroy them, Shaban said. But after those first couple touchdowns we realized we have to play these guys hard. Our offense is great if we can keep it going.
Barlow improved to 1-1 on the season. The Falcons travel to New Milford on Friday for a 7 p.m. game before returning for a three-game home stand.
Follow Eric Gendron on Twitter for the latest MSC-Fairfield County sports coverage. Like The Daily Easton on Facebook.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
