RallyNorth.net

Salem throttles Concord

Monday, September, 12 By Dave Dyer

SALEM, N.H. — After Friday night’s convincing 25-7 victory over Concord, which improved Salem to 2-0, there are at least two things that can be said about the Blue Devils.

First, Salem definitely boasts a rising star in junior running back Josh Sibanda and, second, it has plenty of good football players surrounding him, none more so than senior James LeBlond.

Sibanda had his second outstanding game, rushing for 142 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries, while LeBlond was excellent on both sides of the ball, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while catching two passes for 46 yards and making six tackles and intercepting a pass on defense

“James is just an excellent football player all-around,” said Salem coach Bob Pike. “He never comes off the field and can do it all.”

While LeBlond was certainly pleased with his offensive contributions, it was effort on the other side of the ball that had him most fired up.

“I love defense so I’m pretty happy with the way we played,” said LeBlond.

Salem’s defense was definitely something to feel good about. Its first unit shut out the Crimson Tide, holding Concord to four first downs through three quarters and preventing any long gainers all night.

On the other hand, it was long gainers in the first half that got Salem going.

On his second carry of the game, Sibanda juggled a pitchout, got control, slipped a tackle while holding his balance and then sprinted to the end zone on a 92-yard touchdown less than four minutes into the game.

Two possessions later, a 32-yard pass play from Matt Soldano to Sibanda and a 34-yarder to LeBlond, accompanied by runs of 18 and 16 yards by Sibanda allowed Adam Maroun to dive in from the one to cap a 97-yard drive set up by LeBlond’s interception.

Ahead 13-0 at halftime, the Devils scored on their first two possessions of the second half, on runs of seven yards by Sibanda and 19 by LeBlond to put the game away. Concord’s lone TD came late in the game against Salem’s backups.

Among those playing well on defense were Adam Maroun, Ben Genest, Jon St. Hilaire and Ryan Michaud. Jake Fantasia did a fine job defending ace Concord receiver Reid Ljungholm and had an interception.

“We still have work to do, but we’re playing well and executing,” said Pike. “Now we have to get ready for a tough game at Pinkerton next week.”