Anchored Down
Seahawks Hand St. Mark's 33 - 21 Loss
If St. Mark's were granted a do over for a portion of their season they would likely choose the third quarter of Friday night's game against Delaware Military Academy. After going toe to toe with the Seahawks in the first half, the Spartans found themselves weighed down to start the second, and before they could right the ship, Delaware Military had pulled away with the win.
Coming out of the locker room the Spartans were already facing an uphill battle. The toll from going against a physically bigger opponent would only increase as the game wore on. And with a tiring defense, the strategy of giving up field position to keep the ball away from the Seahawks dangerous kick returner, Cohran Alleyne, would become riskier as well. But the heaviest weight that held St. Mark's down may have been that which they inflicted upon themselves.
Coming out of the locker room the Spartans were already facing an uphill battle. The toll from going against a physically bigger opponent would only increase as the game wore on. And with a tiring defense, the strategy of giving up field position to keep the ball away from the Seahawks dangerous kick returner, Cohran Alleyne, would become riskier as well. But the heaviest weight that held St. Mark's down may have been that which they inflicted upon themselves.
The opening half was an epic battle worthy of a contest between top ranked opponents. The teams would trade scores, and enter the 2nd quarter tied at 14. The Spartans came swinging out of the gate, scoring on the game's first drive, with a 3 yard Andrew Watkins run. The Seahawks would briefly take a
7 - 6 lead when Cohran Alleyne burst through the middle for a 22 yard score. St. Mark's would answer on their following possession, when Ian Noonan found an open lane and sprinted 80 yards for the touchdown. The Seahawks Alleyne would even things up, with his second score of the night, which he had set up with a nice run moments before. St. Mark's would finish the half with a time consuming drive, giving them a 21 - 14 lead heading into intermission.
7 - 6 lead when Cohran Alleyne burst through the middle for a 22 yard score. St. Mark's would answer on their following possession, when Ian Noonan found an open lane and sprinted 80 yards for the touchdown. The Seahawks Alleyne would even things up, with his second score of the night, which he had set up with a nice run moments before. St. Mark's would finish the half with a time consuming drive, giving them a 21 - 14 lead heading into intermission.
St. Mark's strong play had put them in a position to knock off the favored Seahawks, but penalties and a pair of failed conversions would take that chance away. As expected, Delaware Military came out in the second half running Cohran Alleyne behind their big line. To win, the Spartan defense would have to limit the damage, while the offense kept pace on the scoreboard. Whether St. Mark's would have prevailed had they accomplished those things is uncertain. Delaware Military had made adjustments, and were using their strengths to make things difficult on both sides of the ball for the Spartans.
The Seahawks tied the score on the opening drive of the second half. A holding call had put the drive in jeopardy but was given new life by a pass interference call on St. Mark's. The Spartan offense looked as though they were going to answer, but were stopped on a 4th and 1 at midfield. A pair of penalties on their next possession would result in the Seahawks taking the lead for good. A block in the back on a punt return, followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on 3rd down would push the Spartans back to their own 10. After a failed attempt on a gutsy fake punt, the Seahawks made quick work with a short field taking a 27 to 21 lead. Delaware Military would add to that lead with Cohran Alleyne's 5th score of the game, sealing the win for the Seahawk's.
St. Mark's offense produced 271 total yards. Andrew Watkins was the leading rusher with 105 of the Spartans 230 yards gained on the ground. Ian Noonan's 80 yard run was the longest gain from line of scrimmage of the game. Jelani Bryant was 5 of 12 for 41 yards with 34 yards rushing. Victor Marcelo was the top receiver with 23 yards. The defense gave up 292 total yards, with all but 6 coming on the ground. Matthew Tynes was the leading tackler, with 14, followed by Matt Dougherty (10), Tyler Shields (8), and Ian Noonan (8). Will Hoffman had a sack and 6 tackles. Zion Glover and Tyler Shields recovered fumbles, and Matthew Tynes had an interception.
Scoring Summary:
SM - Watkins 3 yard run (kick blocked)
DM - Alleyne 22 yard run (Drejza kick)
SM - Noonan 80 yard run (Watkins run)
DM - Alleyne 2 yard run (Drejza kick)
SM - Watkins 5 yard run (Salazar kick)
DM - Alleyne 15 yard run (Drejza kick)
DM - Alleyne 8 yard run (kick failed)
DM - Alleyne 15 yard run (run failed)
Box Score:
Team |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
St. Mark's |
14 |
7 |
000 |
000 |
21 |
De. Military |
14 |
000 |
13 |
6 |
33 |