Concord Runs Roughshod Over Newark

Concord 42, Newark Memorial 7

The Star: Olito Thompson broke the Concord single game rushing record previously held by Billy Bermeister (308 against Northgate in 2006) with 370 yards and three touchdowns.

The Turning Point: The Minutemen started their onslaught early with a two-play, 72-yard touchdown drive, on the game’s first possession. On the ensuing kickoff, Concord recovered their own onsides kick and drove down the field, again hitting pay dirt. The first quarter ended with Concord up 22-7 and Newark Memorial never inched any closer.

What's Next?  No. 2 seeded Las Lomas hosts No. 7 seeded Concord next Friday at 7 p.m.

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Concord High's Olito Thompson was simply unstoppable Saturday night in the pouring rain at Concord Stadium. In the opening round NCS playoff game, the Minutemen pounded No. 10 seeded Newark Memorial High with more than 400 rushing yards en route to a 42-7 romp.

Thompson racked up over 200 yards in the first 13 minutes, on his way to 370 total rushing yards on 26 carries. He had long breathtaking touchdown runs of 63, 71, and 50 yards, where he flashed a combination of speed and power. 

“Upfront we did a heck of a job opening up holes. Olito set the single game rushing record and he played his tail off. It takes a team to do something special like (setting the rushing record),” said Minutemen coach Brian Hamilton. “Any time you beat a good team in the playoffs, it’s a big win.”

Concord’s offensive explosion teamed with a stellar defensive effort simply overwhelmed the Cougars.

Newark Memorial had trouble finding any openings in the passing game and only had moderate success on the ground with hard churning back Hunter Rockwell rushing 21 times for 124 yards.

The Cougars turned the ball over four times with two interceptions and two lost fumbles. The Minutemen’s corner, Adrian Munoz, picked off both of Newark’s wayward passes.

The victory was Concord’s fifth consecutive playoff win, after defeating Rancho Cotate in the championship last season.

“Our guys played in four postseason games last year, so they know the game changes and that every snap is important,” remarked Hamilton. “We had a phenomenal week of practice, probably our best week of practice. The teams that win in the playoffs are really able to focus.”

Concord is set to face No. 2 seeded Las Lomas next week in an intriguing match-up pitting coaching masterminds and best friends, Hamilton and Doug Longero, against each other.

“Coach Longero is an amazing coach and he has a great program,” said Hamilton. “We are going to lay everything out there and see where it lands.”

In addition to the battle of the minds, fans should expect to see a ground-and-pound approach from both teams (especially if it rains). Thompson will go against fellow 1,000 yard rusher Jake Villa with a berth in the NCS semi-finals on the line.

Notes: Concord’s red zone back, Uaisele Manoa, busted up the gut for two rushing touchdowns.

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Concord 42, Newark Memorial 7

Newark Memorial       7    0   0  0  — 7

Concord                        22   12  0  8  — 42
   

Scoring summary
11:40, 1st: C — Thompson 63 run (two-point conversion)

9:52, 1st: C — Manoa 7 run (two-point conversion)

2:22, 1st: NM — Wyche 8 pass Tate (kick good)

2:05, 1st: C — Thompson 71 run (two-point conversion failed)

10:34, 2nd: C — Thompson 50 run (two-point conversion failed)

7:53, 2nd: C — Muonekwu 10 pass Morrow (two-point conversion failed)

5:58, 4th, C — Manoa 3 run (two-point conversion)

Records: Newark Memorial 5-5-1. Concord 8-3.

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