Quarterback Leads Patriots To Victory, Breaks Record

Park View 37, Herndon 7

By Paul Tenorio

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Before the game, Park View Coach Andy Hill discussed the absence of a game-changing player on the Patriots roster. With running back Deric Dudinski having graduated, Hill said it would be senior quarterback C.J. Leizear who dictated the flow of the offense.

Leizear did just that Friday night against visiting Herndon, leading Park View to a 37-7 victory in the season opener for both teams. Leizear broke the school’s all-time passing record, finishing 21 of 31 with 277 yards and 3 touchdowns to put him at 3,520 career yards.

“I just came up to the line and made my reads and we connected,” said Leizear, who said he had no idea he was approaching the record. “I just knew coming in that we had a good game plan against Herndon, and we executed, and we got the win.”

Leizear’s experience shined throughout the game: He often called audibles and showed versatility by making throws from the pocket while rolling to his right. Park View’s offense also showed versatility, often lining up in a spread formation and passing while mixing in runs up the middle.

Junior tight end Kenny Smith showed why he is considered a Division I prospect, hauling in four receptions for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Eric Johnston rushed 10 times for 88 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown. Leizear connected with six players, led by senior Danny Foley (5 catches, 117 yards).

“Last year Coach Hill said that we had [Dudinski] in the backfield, and people knew he was going to get the ball,” Leizear said. “We were fine with that. We backed him up and blocked for him. This year I think we’re very dangerous just like last year, because you never know who is going to get the ball.”

While Leizear led the offense, it was another senior who contributed heavily on defense. Against a basic Herndon offense that featured mostly straight-ahead running, all-state defensive tackle Thomas Mulabah provided the push in a near-shutout performance.

Behind Mulabah’s strong play in the middle of the field, the Patriots held Herndon to 131 yards of offense. Herndon’s offense failed to move the ball effectively, punting nine times and gaining only six first downs.

“Thomas is pretty good,” Hill said jokingly after the game. “His getting off the ball helps. I was real proud of our defense.”

For Mulabah, having a team run at him was something new. Opponents usually avoid the 6-foot-1, 280-pound tackle.

“I love the challenge when a team is running at me, because it’s like they’re challenging me to step up in the game,” Mulabah said. “When I came into this game, I was preaching to our defense that we need to get into it and start right, and that’s what we did.”

Leizear said it was encouraging to see his defensive teammates take over the game.

“I loved it,” Leizear said. “I’m always asking them, ‘Get me the ball, get me the ball.’ It’s almost like they said, ‘We’ll get you the ball.’ So I don’t need to say it anymore.”

For Park View, this win sets the tone for what the team hopes will be another strong season. That includes challenging for a state title. For Leizear, Friday’s performance marks an opportunity to grow — individually and as a team.

“This is our base, now we can build off of it,” Leizear said. “And we’re off to Jefferson [W.Va.] next week.”

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks