Passing game brings Arundel back to form

A stunning loss to Southern in last week’s regular season finale denied Arundel an undefeated season and a shot at the top spot in the VSN football Top 20.  It also sent the Wildcats onto the post-season with some uncertainty.

Most of the uncertainty revolved around the absence quarterback Nick Rosati, who missed the Wildcats last two games while battling mononucleosis.  Would he make it back for the playoffs?  Would he have the same strength and form?

Yes, yes and yes.

Putting on a pitch and catch clinic with receiver Tyler Washington, Rosati passed for 215 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-17 win over visiting North Point.

All three touchdown passes were caught by Washington, who finished the evening with nine catches 187 yards receiving.  Joe Blackwell also added a 23-yard touchdown run, in the third quarter for the Wildcats.

Rosati made his presence felt immediately, staking Arundel (10-1) to a quick 7-0 lead with a 61 yard scoring strike to Washington.  Minutes later, the duo connected again, this time from 21 yards, to lead 14-0 at the end of one quarter.

North Point’s offense struggled in the first quarter following an ankle injury to Ohio State-bound running back Conner Crowell, who had to leave the field by ambulance, but the Eagles battled their way back into the game.

Emmanuel Onakoya put North Point on the board with a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and the Eagles moved within four points, at 14-10, when Bryce Fuggit connected on a 26-yard field goal, early in the third quarter.

Arundel responded with two more touchdowns to close out the third period with a 28-10 lead.  Rosati connected with Washington for a 10-yard touchdown pass and Blackwell added his score.

In the final quarter, North Point scored on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Connor Young to Frank Marshall, but that was not nearly enough.

Anne Arundel County football fans had anticipated a regional championship featuring Arundel and Old Mill, but those plans were dashed when Broadneck topped the Patriots, 16-14, in Friday’s other 4A East semifinal.  That sets up a rematch between the Wildcats and Bruins.  Broadneck gave Arundel all it could handle in September, before the Wildcats pulled out a 10-6 win.