Militia Ground It Out
- Updated: August 18, 2014
DANBURY, CT- Refocusing their offense attack around their run game, back Lionel Assie amazed 263 rushing yards and three scores on the Militia’s way to a 30-14 victory over the Pioneer Valley Knights.
“We went back to the drawing board and decided to let our line be more physical and go after people” said Coach Lonnie Young, “we owe a lot to our big boys tonight; but when Lionel gets to the second level it is all on him.” Assie’s 263 yards shattered his own team rushing high and gave his team a sense of confidence they needed in this pivotal game. “After the first quarter we knew he was having a rare night; when he gets going like that he makes us a tough team to deal with.”
After an exchange of possessions, a Knights turnover gave the Militia a short field. Runs by both Assie and quarterback Kevin Oberg placed the ball on the Knights 3 yard line setting Assie up for his first score of the night. The Knights came right back with a 47 yard drive culminating in a 9 yard scoring catch by receiver Marquis Eberhart from Damarr Smith. On the next drive Assie got in the open field and dashed 39 yards for another score. A 40 yard field goal by All Star kicker Andy Benicewicz put the Militia up by 10 later in the quarter. A second strong drive by the Knight had Smith find Gio Ortiz for a short touchdown connection keeping them on pace. A 22 yard field goal by Benicewicz concluded the first half scoring giving the Militia a narrow 20-14 lead at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, a 77 yard drive made up mostly of runs by Assie ended with another field goal by Benicewicz. A unique combination of power and speed, Assie reeled off 11 carries of fifteen yards or more. However, his bruising runs in between the tackles were what set the tone for the game and wore down the undersized Knights defenders. “We knew we had an edge up front so we took advantage of it” said Assie, “he (Coach Young) kept calling my number so I tried my best to make it happen.” With six minutes to play Assie found the end zone for the final time behind a 19 yard run.
The win snaps the Militia’s two game losing streak and gets them right back in the playoff hunt. “In this division you have to win each weekend if you’re going to make noise in the postseason.” This sets up a huge rematch with their division opponent Connecticut Chiefs next week. Two weeks ago the Militia lost to the Chiefs in an overtime thriller. “This is a must win for both teams if you ask me” said Militia owner Carl Oberg, “this will be a big week of practice for us and next week’s game will be a battle.”
|
BOXSCORE |
1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | FINAL |
|
Knights |
14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
14 |
| Militia | 17 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
30 |
Records: Pioneer Valley 2-2; Western Connecticut 3-2.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Quarter
Militia Touchdown – Lionel Assie 3yd run (Andy Benicewicz kick)
Knights Toucdown – Marquis Eberhart 9yd pass from Damarr Smith (Tyler Cullen receives pass)
Militia Touchdown – Lionel Assie 39yd run (Andy Benicewicz kick)
Militia Field Goal – Andy Benicewicz 40yd
Knights Touchdown – Gio Ortiz 3yd pass from DamarrSmith (PAT pass failed)
2nd Quarter
Militia Field Goal – Andy Benicewicz 22yd
3rd Quarter
None
4th Quarter
Militia Field Goal – Andy Benicewicz 42yd
Militia Touchdown – Lionel Assie 19yd run (Andy Benicewicz kick)
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