Although it might sometimes be a position that is overlooked by some sports fans, a kicker unafraid of big spots can be a huge boon for a football team.
On Friday, Mamaroneck got another reminder about how much of a game-changer an effective kicking game can be, as Will Prevost nailed a 26-yard field goal as time expired to send the Tigers to the Class AA championship game with a 17-14 win over arch-rival Scarsdale.
The game-winning kick capped off a wild second-half comeback for the Tigers, who trailed the Raiders 14-0 at halftime before clawing back into contention and persevering at the final whistle.
But for Prevost, who previously hit a game-winner against Carmel this season, preparing for the big stage was no different than any other attempt—except this one came against the Raiders.
“That’s the second one this year, and I was so excited to get that chance,” said Prevost. “Winning here is euphoria, it means so much.”
To get Prevost into position, the Tigers needed a sustained two-minute drill to march down the field, something they got thanks to the poise of quarterback Kieran Jacobson. Jacobson threw two interceptions in the first half, but was sharp after the intermission, finishing with 12 completions for 134 yards and a touchdown, but his best work came with time running out, as he was able to find his receivers for quick strikes towards the sidelines, giving Mamaroneck the time they would need to set up the game-winning field goal.
“Talking to the coaches, we knew what we had to do, we just had to get it to the 20 yard line because we have confidence in Prevost,” said Jacobson. “I took a knee a little, I prayed, but I knew he had it.”
Jacobson also credited the defense for stopping the Raiders’ run-heavy attack after the early scores, allowing the Tigers the opportunity to chip away in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the Tigers now get the chance to contend for a Section 1 title on Friday night, when they take on North Rockland at Mahopac High Schoo. The Tigers beat the Red Raiders during the regular season, but North Rockland has been on a tear since then, winning seven straight games and pitching one-sided shutouts in each of the last three weeks.
Jacobson said the Tigers are well aware of the challenge the Red Raiders will pose as well as the overall significance of the first potential Section 1 title in the program’s history.
“It means we get another week of football and we have to have the best week of practice we’ve had all year,” said Jacobson. “We have the opportunity and all you can ask for is the opportunity.”
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