October 7, 2009 > Newark Memorial too tough for Kennedy Newark Memorial too tough for Kennedy By David J. Nicolas An early punt return fumble for John F. Kennedy High School football team foreshadowed the missed opportunities and shaky defense that was to ensue, as Newark Memorial shut down the Titans, 23-0, Saturday, Oct. 3, at Tak Fudenna Memorial Field. Newark Memorial's Anthony Benavente showed off a golden toe and recorded three field goals in the Cougars' winning efforts. Kennedy was able to force a quick punt in the first quarter, but Newark Memorial got the ball right back when the Titans fumbled the punt. Newark pounced on the ball at the Titans' 36-yard line. The Cougars easily scored a touchdown with a reception by Kendall Andrews going up 7-0 with a whole 8:18 left in the first quarter. The next Titan drive looked promising, but quickly dissolved when Kennedy quarterback Rudy Artero threw an interception with 3:38 left in the quarter. The Cougars got in the red zone, but settled for a field goal, added to their lead, making it 10-0. The Titans' defense stiffened near the goal line again, forcing the Cougars to settle for another field goal on their last drive of the half, giving Newark Memorial a 13-0 halftime lead. Kennedy looked rejuvenated in the first minutes of the third quarter when it put together a steady drive that got it to fourth and inches of Newark Memorial's goal. But Artero could not find his receiver and the Titans were forced to turn the ball over on downs. The Cougars strung together a relentless third-quarter drive of their own, but was forced to kick a field goal. Benavente connected again to move Newark Memorial up 16-0. Newark Memorial put the game away in the fourth when they crossed the goal line for a 23-0 lead that they held onto for the victory. Newark Memorial will next take on James Logan on the road, Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. while J.F.K. has the week off before resuming MVAL play on October 16 vs. Mission San Jose at Tak.