October 26, 1996

A Battle For The Ages: Berkeley 3, Orchard Farm 0

Story/Photos By Eric Wilson
POSTnet Prep Sports

20-Yard Field Goal Ending First Half Makes The Difference

Grunts and groans of linemen on each side of the ball resounded for four quarters. Each team had its high powered running attack nearly shut down. The end zones at each end of Berkeley High field were left undivoted. The only mark distinguishing a winner was Sean Ball's 20-yard field goal from an awkward angle with no time left to finalize the first half.

Final score--Berkeley 3, Orchard Farm 0.

Despite the low scoring, coaches and players applauded the efforts of both teams.

"It was one of the best games that I've ever been in," said Berkeley coach Joe Henke. "Both teams played on heart."

Nick Walls, defensive coach of the Orchard Farm Eagles, said he "[stood] here proud of the Orchard Farm football team. I thought we played about as well as we can play defense. It was a great football game."

"I really thought we had 'em," said Orchard Farm coach Jim Cook.

Berkeley Defense Coach Dave Parker: "We changed our defensive look to lay the 'wood' to them and let them know that we were going to be here for four quarters."

It was a heart-wrenching defeat for the tenth ranked Eagles (6-2). The team put together two drives in the fourth quarter. Each possession carried them inside the Berkeley 40 yard line, but they were denied both times on fumbles by running back Josh Keene. In between those possessions, the Eagle defense held their ground and forced the Bulldogs to punt. Second string punter Anthony Strickland was pressed into service after regular punter Sean Ball was injured. Immediately upon the snap from the Berkeley center, Orchard Farm's Don Clement broke through to block the kick.

"I was locked down," said Bulldog running back Terrell Brown in describing Berkeley's running game. Brown carried 18 times for 65 yards.

Number seven ranked Berkeley (7-1) was lead by quarterback Terrance Fisher, 9-12 for 102 yards, Anthony Strickland, junior tight end, with six receptions for 72 yards. John Witted and Richard Shead, each had 7 solo tackles with Witted assisting on 6 others. Cornerback, Carron Bell snared the only interception of the game off of Eagles' quarterback Matt Dunkmann late in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles received hard fought performances from running back Josh Keene, 25 carries 82 yards, Sam Dunkmann and Jeff Hawkins with 5 tackles each on defense. Hawkins assisted on 14 tackles while Dunkmann assisted on 10.

The three points scored by the Bulldogs ended a consecutive string of 25 quarters without the opposition scoring against the Orchard Farm defensive unit.