U-Hi Saved The Air Show For Opener

University High wasn’t the same football team Thursday night as the one that played a week earlier.

It was by design.

The Titans were the complete package in their league opener. The result was their most explosive offensive showing, by three touchdowns, in coach Mike Ganey’s three years.

“At the (Valley) Jamboree we had only three running plays and built on that against Eisenhower,” said Ganey. “At the same time we planned a surprise for Ferris.”

The previously missing ingredients during the 38-27 victory involved speedy receivers Joe Jeffries and Kurt Moore, who burned Ferris long, and tight end Mike Roberg who was simply too big to handle.

Fullbacks Jason Daniel and Mike Rosa complemented Tim Buchanan with 169 rushing yards.

Daniel, who had a monster game on both sides of the ball, gained 134 yards, including four pivotal runs. Buchanan had 143 of U-Hi’s net 317 ground yards.

“Our offense was spread out so they couldn’t zero in on one player,” said Ganey. “We’ve been trying to do that. You have to plant the mustard seed.”

Quarterback Casey Cornelius threw for 197 yards, including a well-timed 50-yarder to a streaking Jeffries that set up U-Hi’s initial touchdown and a similar 55-yarder to Moore. That led to Roberg’s impressive grab in traffic and 24-7 third quarter lead.

“(Tim) Benton had him perfectly covered,” said Ganey. “It was a great catch and a great throw.”

Defensively, the Titans held Ferris to 102 yards and led 17-0 four minutes into the third quarter. They limited Benton to 37 rushing yards a week after he had gained 257. It was enough during the offensive track meet that followed.

Buchanan spun out of a tackle and reversed field 48 yards for one score. Daniel hoofed it 34 yards for another to counter Ferris’s four TD rally through the air.

“The key was we responded immediately to any threat by Ferris,” said Ganey. “It is part of our character to hang in there.”

Returnees spark resurgence

Returning East Valley volleyball players have helped ease the transition to a new coach.

The Knights are unbeaten in Frontier League volleyball after their four-set win Thursday night against defending champion West Valley.

On what is essentially a young team, veterans Anjie Blindauer, Angela Overdorff and Farrah Parsley keyed the win.

Parsley, a third-year player, was a late returnee for new coach Jim Dorr. Early in the year, he said he didn’t know if she was coming out.

“She had some things to take care of,” Dorr said. “She’s been a perfect role model (since her return).”

Parsley had 11 kills and four blocks during the four-game win. Overdorff had 11 kills and four service aces. Blindauer had 9 kills and newcomer Deb Asbury 10.

“Last night we were able to go to four different hitters which makes it harder for defenses to key,” said Dorr. “Whenever we were in trouble, Blindauer seemed to come up with the big kill for us.”

Both teams had won earlier openers, lending significance to this early season encounter. EV hosts unbeaten Clarkston on Tuesday.

Much ado about nothing

The East Valley and West Valley girls soccer teams took up where they left off. That is, nothing got settled.

In their first meeting this year, the two unbeaten teams were involved in a scoreless tie and third stalemate over the last two years.

During that time the Knights and Eagles have gone 80 straight minutes without a goal after tying 2-2.

Deckard reaches golf milestone

A member of the Painted Hills Ladies Golf Club broke 40 during last week’s medal play.

Danice Deckard shot 38 for nine holes to lead the field.

The milestone came while B flight golfer Jackie Booth shot 51, C flight winner Pat Reiter shot 54 and D flight leader Sherri Baker shot 55, including an eight-hole chip in.

Net winners were Tanna Wilson with 28 in A flight, Virginia Lemmer with 33 in B flight and Jackie Allen with 31 in C flight.

In D flight there was a three-way time at 35 among Irene Strong, Elaine Isherwood and Cathy Diehl.

Meyers leads way at Valley View

At Valley View Golf Course, ladies club member Anne Meyers wasn’t far behind Deckard.

Meyers shot a fine 44 to lead the weekly outing.

Net winners were Joyce Jacobs with 29 in A flight, Patsy Angelo with 31 in B flight, while Laura Odette and Emma Long tied with 32s in C flight.

, DataTimes