Spartans Hold Off Howard
Late Defensive Stand Preserves 23 - 16 Win
St. Mark's defense stood tall in the closing moments of the game to earn a hard fought 23 - 16 victory over the visiting Howard Wildcats. With the win the Spartans improved their record to 5 - 1, and set the stage for another big showdown next week, when they take on Delaware Military Academy. Friday nights game evolved from a defensive battle to an offensive shootout. And just when it looked as though the last team with the ball would get the win St. Mark's defense rose to the occasion. Howard broke a scoreless tie with a little over a minute remaining in the first half on quarterback Tyhir Harley's 25 yard run. The Wildcats 8 - 0 lead would hold until midway through the third quarter, when the game shifted gears.
St. Mark's would even things up with a Jelani Bryant pass to Ryan DuPlessis, and an Andrew Watkins conversion run. The Wildcats looked to have taken the lead back when David Hancock scored, after a long kickoff return had set Howard up deep in Spartan territory. However, a penalty nullified the touchdown run, and St. Mark's defense forced the Wildcats to turn the ball over on downs. The Spartan offense was met with equal resistance, punting after only three plays. They would get a second chance moments later when the Wildcat returner mishandled the kick, which was recovered by Ian Noonan. St. Mark's took advantage of the opportunity and a 15 - 8 lead in the game.
Andrew Watkins 1 yard run finished off the Spartan drive, and set the stage for a wild finish. Howard would strike back quick on a long touchdown pass, only to have it called back on offsetting penalties. The setback didn't deter them though, as they marched down the field scoring on a short Stephen Forbi run, and taking a 16 - 15 lead with 2:24 remaining. Their lead didn't hold for long however, as St. Mark's answered with a score of their own. Jelani Bryant's 13 yard run put the Spartans back on top 23 - 16, and left Howard with one final shot. The Wildcats were up to it, driving deep into St. Mark's territory. But so was the Spartan defense, with Matthew Tynes knocking down Howard's pass in the end zone, on their final play, to preserve the win.
St. Mark's offense gained a total of 295 yards with 164 on the ground. Andrew Watkins was the leading rusher with 106 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown. Jelani Bryant ran for one score and threw for another. He went 11 of 16 for 131 yards passing, and ran for 55 yards on 13 carries. The leading receiver was Cole Balint with 44 yards. However Bryant spread the ball around with four other receivers getting in on the action. Zion Glover and Carter Benham led the defense with 10 tackles. Matthew Tynes (8), Tyler Shields (8), Victor Marcelo (7), and Matt Dougherty (6) weren't far behind. Tynes and Glover both had an interception while Ian Noonan recovered the muffed kick that seemed to turn the tide in the Spartans favor. The defense gave up season highs in total yards (263) and rushing yards (222) but made the stops when needed.
Scoring Summary:
H - Harley 25 yard run (run)
SM - DuPlessis 13 yard pass from Bryant (Watkins run)
SM - Watkins 1 yard run (Salazar kick)
H - Forbi 2 yard run (Bowman pass from Harley)
SM - Bryant 13 yard run (Tynes pass from Bryant)
H - Harley 25 yard run (run)
SM - DuPlessis 13 yard pass from Bryant (Watkins run)
SM - Watkins 1 yard run (Salazar kick)
H - Forbi 2 yard run (Bowman pass from Harley)
SM - Bryant 13 yard run (Tynes pass from Bryant)
Box Score:
Team |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
Howard |
000 |
8 |
000 |
8 |
16 |
St. Mark's |
000 |
000 |
8 |
15 |
23 |