Kirkland, Leverett Capture Victories In House Football

Kirkland House wrapped up the intramural tackle football NFL division crown yesterday, preserving its undefeated record by shutting out Eliot, 12-0.

In other action, Leverett hung on to top Lowell, 9-8, and take second place in the NFL.

Jim Rooney opened the scoring for Kirkland in the first quarter on a 1-yard dive over the middle. Eliot House defenders blocked the extra point.

Kirkland's second touchdown was tallied in the third quarter by Jamie Egasti, who took a hand-off from quarterback Casey Fitts, swept left and scampered 35 yards into the end zone. A two-point conversion attempt failed.

Fitts said back Ed Thomkins had an "excellent day" running and credited him with setting up both Kirkland House scores.

Kirkland's defense has not given up a point this season and kept Eliot's attack in check throughout the game.

A disputed extra point proved the margin of victory for Leverett House, which held the lead for nearly the entire game. Leverett went in front to stay early in the first quarter when Lowell, back to punt on its own 5-yard line, gave up a safety as the snap from center sailed out of the end zone.

Chris Smith upped the Leverett lead to 9-0 shortly before half time when he broke off-tackle for a 40-yard touchdown. Some observers said Tony Rothschild's extra point failed to cut the uprights, but the kick was called good.

Anthony Tucker recovered a fumble at the Leverett 23 to set up Lowell's lone successful scoring drive. After a pass interference call on third down had given Lowell a first down, Don Meltzer pulled in QB Mark Geppert's 17-yard strike in the end zone to put Lowell on the board in the game's final minute.

Geppert ran left for the conversion that reduced Leverett's margin to one, but time ran out on the Lowell rally after an unsuccessful onside kick.

House football play-offs begin next Tuesday when Kirkland faces the second place finisher in the AFC, and Leverett plays the AFC winner.