Drew Kozak has put forth a few performances this season that left observers to wonder, “Could he possibly do anything more spectacular?” That question has been answered each time in the affirmative.
It has become, essentially, a “Watch this!” show as the dual-threat running back leaving spectators in awe with dazzling catches, breakaway runs and highlight-worthy interceptions has become the norm.
What was different this time, though, is the show was accompanied by a victory for the Our Lady of Lourdes football team.
Kozak scored four touchdowns, leading the Warriors to a 34-0 win over Washingtonville last Friday, earning their first victory of the season and a morale boost.
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“They were ecstatic and the coaches were so happy for them,” Lourdes head coach Sean Keenan said of his players. “They’ve been giving great effort and you’re glad to see that finally rewarded with the desired result.”
The Warriors (1-4) opened the season with a difficult schedule that included large-school opponents, most of whom have been dominant thus far. All along, Keenan insisted, the team was better than its record suggested.
They broke through last weekend, thumping a Washingtonville team that had edged them in overtime last season.
Kozak, again, did a whole lot of a lot. The senior had eight receptions for a career-high 177 yards and four touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 71 yards on seven carries. He also had six tackles and an interception at safety.
“He’s a special athlete and person,” Keenan said. “He’s an incredibly hard worker who constantly sets an example. Every drill, he’s the first in line and doesn’t take a rep off. He’ll even volunteer for scout team. We’ve been lucky to have him.”
The Warriors also were fortunate to get quarterback Noey Ledesma back from injury. The senior provided a spark for the offense, throwing for 112 yards and three touchdowns.
Ledesma shared snaps with promising freshman Jack Savona, who was impressive in his starts the previous two weeks. He completed 3 of 5 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Connor Wilson led the defense with nine tackles and a sack.
Washingtonville entered having won its previous two games decisively and was favored on paper.
“I didn't expect to have that kind of score,” Keenan said of the lopsided victory. “They're good, and they’ve always been a well-coached team. For us to do what we did, I was pleasantly surprised.”
Their hope, of course, is this performance kickstarts a run down the stretch. That’ll be a challenge, though, as Lourdes’ remaining schedule includes Cornwall, in a rematch of the previous two section finals, and Class AA power Newburgh.
“The kids who've been in the program for a while aren't used to losing a bunch of games like we have,” said Keenan, whose team won the Section 9 Class A championship in 2022. “We’ve got the meat of our schedule coming up and we’ve got work to do. But I think we’re up to the challenge.”
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Football: Kozak dazzles as Lourdes dominates Washingtonville to end losing streak
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