Notre Dame Trio Run Down Alemany in 14-7 Victory

The Notre Dame High football team’s one and two punches staggered Alemany on Friday night, but it was a third heavy hit that knocked the Indians out.

Brandon Gabriel, rated one of the top defensive linemen in the area, sacked Alemany quarterback Chris Tashima on a key fourth down in the Knights’ 14-7 nonleague victory in an opener at Alemany.

“That was the key play in the game, no question about that,” Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney said.

The first two punches were applied by Mr. Inside--Notre Dame fullback Lei Malieitulua, who gained 101 yards in 15 carries up the middle--and Mr. Outside--tailback Jabbar Craigwell, who gained 78 yards in eight carries, most of them sweeps.

“They’re really hard-running kids,” Rooney said. “They’re the inspiration for this team.”

Gabriel’s sack, his only one of the game, came midway in the fourth quarter with the Knights ahead, 14-7, and Alemany going for a first down on fourth and three at the Notre Dame 44.

Notre Dame quarterback Kelly Moran completed five of seven passes for 63 yards and a touchdown.

The Indians were led by David Eastham, who gained 74 yards in 16 attempts. Eastham had not practiced since Tuesday because a faulty X-ray machine led his coaches to believe he might have a stress fracture.

Malieitulua got the Knights going on their first possession when, on third and 11 from the Alemany 47, he broke through the line for 18 yards. On the next play, Craigwell took a pitch to the right and, with the help of a good downfield block, cruised for a 29-yard touchdown.

Notre Dame took a 14-0 lead with 2 minutes 45 seconds left in the half when Moran hit Joey Orlando for a 23-yard scoring pass.