Girard overcomes sloppiness in Salem

SALEM — His team’s effort Friday night against Salem was far from the kind of start to the season Girard High football coach Bud McSuley was looking for, but in the end, a win is a win.

Despite three turnovers, special teams mistakes and 11 penalties, the Indians’ high octane offense made just enough plays to win against a Quaker squad that played light years better than last year’s team that finished 0-10.

Girard quarterback Adam Charles looked rusty in his first game back after missing 2008 with a knee injury, but tossed four touchdown passes in the first half lift his squad to a 42-34 victory over Salem at Reilly Stadium.

Charles completed just five of his 19 attempts, but four resulted in touchdowns, including scoring tosses of 82 and 86 yards.

“He completed what, only five passes?” asked Salem head coach Mike Kopachy, who made his debut with the Quakers. “Four went for touchdowns — that was the difference in the game right there. Learning to win entails not giving up the big play.”

The Indians needed every one of those big plays to turn back Salem, who stayed within striking distance the entire game before an interception at the goal line with less than a minute left sealed their fate.

Salem’s duo of quarterback Trent Toothman and receiver Ben Eisel provided the offensive spark, combining for four of the Quakers’ five touchdowns. Toothman scored twice on the ground while Eisel did his damage the unconventional way.

The senior returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and added an 84-yard kickoff return in the third quarter.

Eisel’s big defensive play gave Salem the quick 7-0 advantage and proved to be a warning that Salem was prepared to challenge the Indians.

“We knew with their new coach and new emotion, we needed to punch them first, but they caught us early and it helped them stay in the game until the end,” McSuley said. “We have high expectations at Girard and we didn’t take advantage of some of our weapons. We didn’t play well defensively or on special teams.

“We took what they gave us on those long pass plays and anytime you score 42 points, you have to be pleased. But we have a lot of things we need to get better at,” McSuley said. “I’ll give Salem credit because they did a nice job tonight. But we’re happy to be 1-0.”

An Ahmad Eggleston touchdown run from 5 yards out gave Girard a 42-28 cushion with 5:44 left in the third quarter and looked to swing the momentum.

But Salem rallied again, taking advantage of a fumble recovery by Toothman. On the next play, the quarterback hooked up with sophomore Zack Penick for a 16-yard scoring strike to pull the Quakers to within 42-34 with 1:56 left in the third.

The Quakers mounted a potential game-winning drive in the final minutes. Mixing the running of Toothman and a few short pass plays, Salem drove to the Indians’ 11 with under a minute to play.

But on first-and-10 at the 11, Girard’s Gino Mariano intercepted Toothman’s pass at the goalline to end the threat and secure the victory.

“The kids played their hearts out and gave a dynamite effort to the final whistle,” Kopachy said. “I really think we can play with anyone because we have some talent and our really want to win. When you combine those two things, good things can happen.”