FABRIZIO GOWDY | October 18, 2020 | FEATURES

Stanton College Preparatory School’s seniors had hoped to become the first class in many years to go 4-0 against rival Paxon School for Advanced Studies Thursday night, but it was simply not to be. The Paxon Golden Eagles rode a first half blowout to a lopsided 43-16 win over the Stanton Blue Devils.

The Eagles dominated the first first half, forcing and recovering a fumble at midfield on the game's opening drive. Paxon capitalized on the early turnover, driving down the field and scoring a 35-yard passing touchdown.

A Stanton three-and-out on the following drive set up Paxon's second score. Senior punter Ethan Allesch couldn't get a punt off after a botched snap, and several Eagle defenders fell on the ball in the endzone, putting Paxon up 14-0.

Fueled by turnovers, Paxon rout continued into the second quarter. An Eagle defender jumped a pass intended for senior Stanton wideout Jaylen Jackson and returned it nearly 60 yards down the sideline for a pick six. Now up 21-0 less than a minute into the second quarter, Paxon attempted and recovered an onside kick. The Eagles marched down the field and were poised to extend their lead, but a fumble at the goal line was recovered in the end zone by Stanton.

The Blue Devils weren’t able to capitalize however, turning the ball over almost immediately on a Jaylen Jackson fumble at the end of a phenomenal first down run. A moment later, a Paxon receiver took a short screen pass 31 yards for the Eagles fourth touchdown. The Blue Devils turned the ball over for the fifth time in the first half on the next drive. A short pass was intercepted and returned 20 yards for Paxon’s second pick six, putting the Eagles up 35-0.

Stanton finally managed to get on the board late in the second quarter. Senior running back Xavier Holden, one of the few bright spots for the Blue Devils, recorded several powerful rushes, shrugging off Paxon defenders and moving the pile. Stanton put together its first long drive of the night, capping it off with a 25-yard Jaylen Jackson touchdown reception from senior quarterback Chris Mcdonnel. Senior kicker Brandon Diaz nearly added an improvised two-point conversion on the extra point, catching a high snap and scrambling to the right, coming up just short in his dive for the pylon.

Paxon responded with a 65-yard rushing touchdown on its final drive of the half. A two-point conversion made it 43-6 at the half.

The Blue Devil defense held Paxon scoreless in the second half, although the game was already effectively over. The lone points of the third quarter came when Paxon botched a punt of their own. The Eagles punter fumbled the snap and was forced to knock it out of the back of the end zone, handing the Blue Devils a safety.

Jaylen Jackson added another touchdown early in the final quarter with a short run up the middle. Chris Mcdonnel added a two-point conversion on the QB keeper, bringing the final score to 43-16.

Paxon improves to 2-3 on the season, with a chance to get to .500 next week in an Oct. 23 game at St. Joseph Academy. Stanton remains winless and moves on in search of its first win against Englewood High School at home next Friday.

PAXON CRUSHES STANTON, SNAPS THREE YEAR WIN STREAK

FABRIZIO GOWDY | October 18, 2020 | FEATURES