Update: Los’ play key in Cassopolis win over Brandywine
Published 8:12 am Friday, August 26, 2016
Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ
Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ
Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ
Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ
Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ
Leader photo/AMELIO RODRIGUEZ
Shane Los ran for three touchdowns and intercepted two passes to help lead Cassopolis to a season-opening 32-16 football victory at Brandywine Thursday.
Rangers coach Dan Purlee wants the quarterback/cornerback to be even more of a leader in his senior season.
“Shane is a smart player,” Purlee said. “He leads by intelligence. He’s not a real vocal guy. He’s a pretty laid-back guy, but we know we can count on him executing the offense week in and week out.”
There is a comfort factor for Los, who started at QB for a 9-3 Rangers squad in 2015.
“I’ve been on varsity for three years and my teammates are looking to me to be a leader,” Los said. “I’ll have to step up in that role.”
Los opened the 2016 campaign with scoring runs of 8, 3 and 3 yards and helped trigger an offense that racked up 373 total yards — 359 on the ground with junior running back Brandon Anderson gaining 154 with TD runs of 63 and 40 yards — and accounted for two of the visitors’ six defensive takeaways in besting the Bobcats.
“I probably could have made some more plays tonight, but I’m happy with the win,” Los said after he also picked off two Corbin Eckenberger passes, including one in the end zone.
“When they need me, I’ll go in on defense and make some plays,” Los said. “If somebody needs a blow, I’m the first one out there.”
The opening contest featured four lost fumbles by the Rangers. Brandywine senior Dante’ Silva-Lewis pounced on three loose balls and Eckenberger on one.
The Bobcats gained just 23 yards rushing against the surging defensive front of the Rangers and 199 passing (senior Vinny Peel caught eight passes for 120 and senior Nathan Kemp five for 79).
Brandywine lost the ball twice on fumbles (seniors Aaron Majewski and Marquise Curtis had the recoveries for Cassopolis) and four times on interceptions (the other two picks were by senior Micha Welch and sophomore Tyrese Hunt-Thompson).
“The first week’s always sloppy,” Los said. “We’ve got to clean up a lot of things and keep two hands on the ball. Ball security is a big thing. If we would have kept out hands on the ball, we probably would have put up 60 (points).”
The Rangers racked up 20 first downs, including 19 on the ground.
Cassopolis turned in a varsity roster Thursday with 22 players.
With those low numbers, Purlee is demanding of the players he has got on the field.
“You’ve got to be mentally strong and have the workman mentality,” Purlee said. “You can’t afford to have guys going half-speed and stepping up and getting their job done.”
He also wants some Rangers to lead with their actions and with their words.
“I’m looking for guys to step up and say something once in awhile,” Purlee said.
Detroit Edison visits Brandywine Thursday, while Cassopolis goes to Mendon Friday.
CASSOPOLIS 32, BRANDYWINE 16
At Niles
Cassopolis 0 20 0 12 – 32
Brandywine 8 0 8 0 – 16
BW – Marquell Peterson 6 run (Vinny Peel pass from Corbin Eckenberger).
C – Shane Los 8 run (Marquise Curtis run).
C – Brandon Anderson 63 run (pass failed).
C – Los 3 run (pass failed).
BW – Eckenberger 1 run (Eckenberger run).
C – Los 3 run (run failed).
C – Anderson 40 run (pass failed).
Varsity records: Cassopolis 1-0, Brandywine 0-1.
