November 4, 2009 > Cougars out-duel Eagles Cougars out-duel Eagles By David J. Nicolas Photos By by Mike Heightchew Newark Memorial High School snapped a two-game losing streak by beating American High School 23-14 on Friday, Oct. 30, at Newark. This was the Cougars' first home victory of the season. Newark Memorial took advantage of a bad punt by American, which gave the Cougars the ball at the Eagles' 21 yard line. Newark Memorial later ran for a touchdown and kicked for the extra point, giving the Cougars a 7-0 lead with 3:36 minutes left in the first quarter. A few plays later, junior Cougar defenseman Samson Tai earn two points for Newark by tackling and Eagle in their end zone for a safety. American looked to change the momentum in the second quarter. After holding the Cougars to a failed field goal, the Eagles strung together a sterling drive. Junior quarterback Dennis Wheaton connected with Max Basilio on third and long. Jordan Cooper later finished the offensive and ran for a touchdown with 3:03 before halftime. The extra point brought American within reach at 9-7. The Cougars' Nick Pohndorf showed off his arm and found Mike Tobin to get Newark Memorial within 25 yards of their opponent's end zone in the third quarter. Newark eventually broke down American's defenses and pushed its lead 16-7. American answered right back with a Roderick Johnson return that got the Eagles in the Cougar red zone. American ran for a touchdown and earned the extra point. The team now trailed 16-14. A failed fourth-down conversion of a new set of downs gave the Cougars useful field position. An Anthony Jackson touchdown and extra point was all Newark Memorial needed to seal its victory. Newark Memorial is 2-2 in the Mission Valley Athletic League while American drops to 2-3. Newark next hosts Irvington High School in an MVAL showdown on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. American will have the primetime MVAL match up on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Tak Fudenna Stadium as they take on John F. Kennedy High School at 7 p.m.