ROCKFORD — Antwan Teal’s long kickoff returns helped Auburn start it’s first four drives in Harlem territory. The Knights, though, went backward on two of those possessions in Friday’s 40-14 NIC-10 football loss.
“When you don’t capitalize against a good team like this, it comes back and burns you,” Auburn coach Billy Cook said.
An old friend did much of the burning. Demetris Fambro, a transfer who played on Auburn’s sophomore team last year, ran for 95 yards on seven carries. He made one sharp cut after another in the steady rain and slopping footing, starting with a 30-yard TD run on Harlem’s second play to tie the score 6-all.
“It was difficult, but you just have to find your footing on this stuff and make the best of it,” Fambro said.
He also made the best of playing against his former teammates.
“It was a lot of fun,” Fambro said. “The old players, they kept saying, ‘Good job.’ It was surprising. I thought they were going to come out and talk trash, but they were positive. And I was positive back, just doing my thing.”
He wasn’t alone. Harlem (3-0) broke off 14 runs of at least 13 yards. And the Huskies’ first three passes went for gains of 20, 45 and 29 yards.
“Our line did awesome; they sucked it up and decided they were going to play,” quarterback Keenan Kellett said. “And all our running backs are big threats. We have good skill positions.”
Kellett threw a 20-yard pass on Harlem’s first play and also heaved a 45-yarder to Tyler Cox to help the Huskies score the first three times they had the ball. “We wanted to throw on first downs before the ball got wet,” Kellett said.
Auburn (1-2) used those early kickoff returns and TD passes of 19 and 8 yards by Nick Montgomery to stay within 19-14 midway through the second quarter. But the Knights, who used three quarterbacks, threw four interceptions and wound up with minus-39 yards rushing.
“Coach said he can’t remember the last time a Harlem team went 3-0. This is big for us,” Kellett said.
“I’m not overly excited,” coach Jim Morrow said. “Next week (against Hononegah) is a big one. If we can go 4-0, I’ll be a lot happier.”
-- Matt Trowbridge, rrstar.com
