Perri's record-setting night - a 50-yarder - spoiled by late block
In a lot of ways, Jackson State sophomore kicker Eric Perri had a career night.
He set the school record with a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter that gave JSU a 13-6 lead. In the first half, he knocked down a 44-yarder - the fourth longest in school history.
But what will stick in his head is the 22-yard attempt that was blocked by Tennessee State. It would have given JSU a three-point lead in the fourth quarter.
"(TSU) was already on top of me by the time I kicked the ball," Perri said. "I don't really know what else I could have done, but it still hurts to not be able to help the team late."
JSU coach Rick Comegy agreed that the blocked field goal had nothing to do with Perri.
"We had a breakdown in our line," Comegy said. "Eric did a nice job of keeping us in the game early."
With his two kicks on Saturday, Perri solidified his ability to kick long field goals. His 50-yarder easily cleared the uprights and suggested the sophomore's range is pushing 55 to 60 yards.
Perri kicked a 52-yard field goal in Jackson State's spring game last year, but this is his first 50-plus make in a real game.
"It certainly gives me a lot of confidence," Perri said. "I know coach (Comegy) feels I can make a difference."
Even with the record-setting performance, Perri's night ended sourly as he watched Tennessee State kicker Eric Benson hit the 35-yard, game-winning field goal in the rain.
"It's a really helpless feeling sitting there and knowing there's nothing you can do," Perri said. "But give credit to (Benson). He did what he's supposed to do."
-David Brandt
No comments:
Post a Comment