A few observations:
The Indians never quit and played a very respectable game. No one has stopped what Crosby does all year. It will take an incredible defense for any team to stop them.
No amount of coaching or play calling can create or stop the type of speed and quickness that Crosby's #27 has. He's as good or better than the back that PNG played in 2008 that's now in the NFL.
The 4th down conversions by the Indian offense were incredible and demonstrated the true grit of this team.
On offense the poorly thrown balls and resulting interceptions early in the game set a tone that was not going to be overcome.
Morse needs to be the starting QB next year. He's bigger, a much better running threat, has a stronger and more accurate arm, makes fewer mistakes, and is more of a presence on the field.
The Indians need a running back that will hit the hole with authority, make good decisions, make his cut and run. Running into the line of scrimmage and dancing around, and not running hard is not productive.
Cropper should get a long look as the starting back next season.
Rose left everything he had on the field, cramping up throughout the game but still playing both sides of the ball. He will be missed.
The Indians have several returning skill players on offense and a few returning on defense. Other than that they'll need to load up with players from the outstanding JV and freshman teams.
Last but not least, where were the fans? PNG fans didn't even fill half of the home stands. That may be the worst playoff attendance in many years.
Thank you 2013 seniors. You represented well and have much to be proud of. Hold your heads high, the team you lost to tonight is going to do the same to many more teams this year. It wasn't meant to be this year, but that takes nothing away from a special season in which you overcame several obstacles and wore the purple and white with pride and honor.
Game Stats:
Crosby 49, Port Neches-Groves 28
Crosby 21 7 7 14 —49
PN-G 0 7 7 14—28
Scoring summary
CRY: Austin Walter 44 run. Run fail.
CRY: Austin Walter 11 run. Aston Walter run.
CRY: Kyle Williams 48 interception return. Juan Ochoa kick.
PNG: Brant Halfin 18 run. Dylan East kick.
CRY: Austin Walter 18 run. Ochoa kick.
PNG: Kaleb Sparks 17 pass from Jeremiah Rose. East kick.
CRY: Austin Walter 9 run. Ochoa kick.
CRY: Austin Walter 56 run. Ochoa kick.
PNG: Kody Cropper 1 run. East kick.
CRY: Austin Walter 70 run. Ochoa kick.
PNG: Adam Morse 5 pass from Kaleb Sparks. East kick.
———
Crosby PNG
First downs 19 21
Rushes-yards 32-379 44-154
Passing yards 177 314
Total yards 556 468
Passes 14-19-0 25-50-3
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-0
Penalties-Yards 7-60 4-20
Punts-Avg. 1-30 2-23
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Rushing: Crosby: Austin Walter 19-276, Aston Walter 9-79. PN-G: Brant Halfin 19-60, Kody Cropper 16-59, Adam Morse 6-27, Reece Wardlow 1-7, Kaleb Sparks 1-2, Ky Walker 1-(-1).
Passing: Crosby: Aston Walter 14-19-0 177. PNG: Morse 18-35-0 217, Walker 5-12-3 75, Jeremiah Rose 1-2-0 17, Sparks 1-1-0 5.
Receiving: Crosby: Cullen Lee 4-65, Austin Walter 4-39, Trevor Larkin 3-34, Vernon Allen 2-31. PNG: Rose 11-142, Wardlow 6-69, Avery Murdock 4-48, Sparks 2-50, Morse 1-5.
