Dedication pays off for Ryan's Anusky

The QB kept to his offseason training regimen. The Raiders are off to a 3-1 start.

September 26, 2011|By Rick O, Inquirer Columnist
  • Coatesville's Kyle Kerrick makes a reception vs. Downingtown East. Coatesville won, 20-14.

Mike Anusky showed his commitment to Archbishop Ryan's football team by not playing summer baseball.

"My teammates had been working hard since Day 1 of the offseason," the senior quarterback said. "They were weightlifting, running sprints, doing drills. I felt like I had to step up and do my part."

The extra effort has paid dividends. After going a combined 3-19 over the last two seasons, the Raiders are off to a 3-1 start.

On Saturday night, Anusky completed 8 of 11 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half, as Ryan eased to a 42-20 triumph over host Archbishop Carroll in a nonleague matchup at humid and foggy Radnor High.

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"Mike is a good thrower," Raiders coach Frank McArdle said. "I thought he was pressing a bit. Tonight, he finally relaxed and was himself."

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior also carried six times for 47 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 30-yard dash in the first quarter.

The Raiders have won three straight since a season-opening 24-21 loss to Cardinal O'Hara in Ocean City.

"It's been great," Anusky said. "It's everything I expected when I began my high school career. Winning only three games in my first two varsity seasons was not something I expected."

Against Carroll, Anusky delivered a 48-yard TD pass to senior wideout Nick Le Van in the first quarter. Early in the second, the two hooked up for a 37-yard score on a fly pattern down the middle.

In the opening 23 minutes, when they sprinted to a 35-7 advantage, the visitors scored on five of seven possessions and totaled 271 yards' worth of offense.

Late in the second quarter, running back Dylan Rowan (12 carries for 106 yards) turned a left-side screen pass from Anusky into a 16-yard TD.

Ryan opened the second half with a seven-play, 62-yard scoring drive that was highlighted by Rowan's 50-yard burst. Anusky's 1-yard dive brought on the mercy rule.

The Raiders' offensive line is made up of center Ed Bier, guards Brian Robbins and Alvin Allen, tackles Chris McMonagle and Bruce Phares and tight end Joe Hanesbury.

"In the offseason, our O-line guys might have worked the hardest out of anybody," Anusky said. "They were always in the weight room. They set the example."

Anusky, a captain and third-year varsity contributor, agreed with McArdle about his pressing too much early on.

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