McCummings, Gloucester Cath. run past Highland

Gloucester Catholic's football team wanted its most explosive player, Elliott McCummings, to get more touches. So the Rams did the one thing that assured he'd be more active:

They moved the senior from receiver to quarterback.

It has been only a few games since the switch, but the move paid off Saturday in helping the Rams defeat Highland, 26-6, in an interdivisional West Jersey Football League game between previously winless teams.

In a steady rain and sleet, McCummings attempted only two passes but rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries for the Rams (1-6).

"This is our first win, and there is nothing better than winning," said McCummings, who spent the summer competing in the American Legion World Series for Brooklawn's state-champion baseball team.

As for the position switch, the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder was all for doing anything to help the team.

"It's been a good experience," McCummings said.

There are still times he plays receiver, but Saturday wasn't one of them since the weather prevented either team from going to the air much.

Gloucester Catholic scored the first 20 points in the first quarter, and Highland couldn't climb out of that hole.

The Rams opened the scoring with John DeLaurentis' 69-yard run. DeLaurentis finished with 128 yards on 18 carries.

After that, McCummings scored on runs of 4 and 7 yards, and the Rams never gave up control.

The performance was impressive despite the elements, playing on a quagmire of a field and bone-chilling cold.

"You could barely hold onto the ball, McCummings said.

Highland (0-8) kept fighting and finally cut the Rams' lead to 20-6 on a 5-yard quarterback sneak by junior Daniel Martin with 7 minutes, 28 seconds remaining.

The Tartans might have come even closer, but they were hurt by losing three second-half fumbles. Junior Robert Patterson led Highland with 122 yards on 15 carries.

"The elements were really tough, but I thought we played our hearts out," Martin said. "Give Gloucester Catholic credit. The better team won."

The Rams completed the scoring with an 18-yard run by Andrew Farrell during the series after Highland's touchdown.

As for McCummings, he is being recruited for both football and baseball and says he hasn't decided what sport to pursue.

Football schools like him as a receiver because of his big-play ability. It's the same kind of ability he's showing at quarterback now that he's getting more touches and taking full advantage of the opportunity.

Highland   0 0 0 6 – 6

Gloucester Catholic   20 0 0 6 – 26

GC: John DeLaurentis 69 run (Elliott McCummings run)

GC: McCummings 4 run (run failed)

GC: McCummings 7 run (pass failed)

H: Daniel Martin 5 run (run failed)

GC: Andrew Farrell 18 run (run failed)