UNION SPRINGS - Just because he's a sophomore doesn't mean Jason Wright lacks experience.
The Southern Springs quarterback started as a freshman, taking many bumps along the way.
But Saturday, Wright turned in his finest performance to date, completing 13 of 22 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-14 win against Whitney Point.
“Jason does a great job of leading the team,” Wolves coach Jeff Ianiri said. “He is still working on some minor stuff. I mean, he still is just a sophomore. People forget a lot of the time he started his freshman year.”
Two of Wright's touchdown passes went to receiver Mark Delaney, who finished with three receptions for 72 yards.
Southern Springs' running back Vinnie Salato played with a heavy heart after losing his grandmother Sunday. He piled up 95 yards on 12 carries and caught a pass for 11 yards. He also credits the seams that were created for him.
“I have to give all my credit to my line,” Salato said. “They give me all the holes in the world to do what I do. It feels good to do what I'm able to, but most of it comes from the line.”
Offensively everything was clicking for Southern Springs. Matt Heindl led the reception category with five for 76 yards and a touchdown. Dan Clark's only reception was a 42-yard touchdown reception on a jump ball in double coverage.
“I couldn't believe Clark's jump on that play,” Ianiri said. “He's a tall, lengthy kid and I was just so happy for him. He really wanted that ball and he showed that intensity on that play.”
The Wolves started the game out strong as they drove to score a touchdown, but it came with some work. After being called for a holding penalty the Eagles decided to decline it and back them up instead of forcing a fourth down. The Wolves responded with a first down completion to Heindl. “That definitely motivated us,” Ianiri said. “I yelled over to our offense, ‘Hey guys they don't think we can make this.' I'm just glad we proved them wrong. Great play-calling by our staff today.”
Southern Springs' defense also stepped up, as Nate Markham led with seven tackles and Mike Bean and Brandon Winter each had six tackles. Chris Rouse had five tackles, while Winter also had an interception.
Unlike last week's loss to Groton, the Wolves capitalized on most of their drives.
“We were just unable to score last week,” Ianiri said. “Even though today we were shut out in the second half, I told them we held them. That's the big thing - ran the clock down and took time away from them. A win's a win, I'll take it. It's nice to have our first win under the belt.”
Southern Springs (1-1) now turns its attention to a divisional match-up with Owego.
“We have film and we'll go over that tomorrow,” Ianiri said. “We try to get the guys ready each week. We want no surprises for them come game time.”
In film sessions this past week, Ianiri and company were able to fix problems with he blocking assignments,
“We looked over film from last week,” Ianiri said. “We missed blocks and that was the key thing we addressed this week in practice. Jason is also getting better week by week. He's respected in the huddle and is becoming a great leader.”
W.P. 0 8 0 6- 14
S.S. 6 22 0 0- 28
First Quarter
SS - Delaney 19 pass from Wright (kick failed)
Second Quarter
SS - Heindl 24 pass from Wright (Wright run)
SS - Delaney 47 pass from Wright (Bean kick)
WP - Donnelly 5 run (Manwaring pass from Pagano)
SS - Clark 42 pass from Wright (Bean kick)
Fourth Quarter
WP - Donnelly 5 run (pass failed)
But Saturday, Wright turned in his finest performance to date, completing 13 of 22 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-14 win against Whitney Point.
“Jason does a great job of leading the team,” Wolves coach Jeff Ianiri said. “He is still working on some minor stuff. I mean, he still is just a sophomore. People forget a lot of the time he started his freshman year.”
Two of Wright's touchdown passes went to receiver Mark Delaney, who finished with three receptions for 72 yards.
Southern Springs' running back Vinnie Salato played with a heavy heart after losing his grandmother Sunday. He piled up 95 yards on 12 carries and caught a pass for 11 yards. He also credits the seams that were created for him.
“I have to give all my credit to my line,” Salato said. “They give me all the holes in the world to do what I do. It feels good to do what I'm able to, but most of it comes from the line.”
Offensively everything was clicking for Southern Springs. Matt Heindl led the reception category with five for 76 yards and a touchdown. Dan Clark's only reception was a 42-yard touchdown reception on a jump ball in double coverage.
“I couldn't believe Clark's jump on that play,” Ianiri said. “He's a tall, lengthy kid and I was just so happy for him. He really wanted that ball and he showed that intensity on that play.”
The Wolves started the game out strong as they drove to score a touchdown, but it came with some work. After being called for a holding penalty the Eagles decided to decline it and back them up instead of forcing a fourth down. The Wolves responded with a first down completion to Heindl. “That definitely motivated us,” Ianiri said. “I yelled over to our offense, ‘Hey guys they don't think we can make this.' I'm just glad we proved them wrong. Great play-calling by our staff today.”
Southern Springs' defense also stepped up, as Nate Markham led with seven tackles and Mike Bean and Brandon Winter each had six tackles. Chris Rouse had five tackles, while Winter also had an interception.
Unlike last week's loss to Groton, the Wolves capitalized on most of their drives.
“We were just unable to score last week,” Ianiri said. “Even though today we were shut out in the second half, I told them we held them. That's the big thing - ran the clock down and took time away from them. A win's a win, I'll take it. It's nice to have our first win under the belt.”
Southern Springs (1-1) now turns its attention to a divisional match-up with Owego.
“We have film and we'll go over that tomorrow,” Ianiri said. “We try to get the guys ready each week. We want no surprises for them come game time.”
In film sessions this past week, Ianiri and company were able to fix problems with he blocking assignments,
“We looked over film from last week,” Ianiri said. “We missed blocks and that was the key thing we addressed this week in practice. Jason is also getting better week by week. He's respected in the huddle and is becoming a great leader.”
W.P. 0 8 0 6- 14
S.S. 6 22 0 0- 28
First Quarter
SS - Delaney 19 pass from Wright (kick failed)
Second Quarter
SS - Heindl 24 pass from Wright (Wright run)
SS - Delaney 47 pass from Wright (Bean kick)
WP - Donnelly 5 run (Manwaring pass from Pagano)
SS - Clark 42 pass from Wright (Bean kick)
Fourth Quarter
WP - Donnelly 5 run (pass failed)
