Stanton Falls to Providence in Season Opener
Photo taken by Tyler Pottenburgh.
BY FABRIZIO GOWDY | SEPT. 11, 2020 | SPORTS
The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity football team was defeated at home Friday night by the Providence Stallions 37-6 in a rainy season opener.
The Stallions struck first and never looked back, scoring 13 points before the Blue Devils picked up a first down. Providence's two quarterbacks, Brooks Hicken and Austin Walker, each tossed a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jacob Larson.
Despite coughing up two fumbles, the Providence offense was strong throughout the first half. A 60-yard punt return by Providence's Jaiden Heath set up a 20-yard Stallions rushing touchdown by Jermain Helm early in the second quarter.
Providence led 25-0 at the half after Larson hauled in his third touchdown reception of the half, this one coming from five yards out as the clock ran out.
Much like the defense, the Blue Devil offense struggled for much of the night, with Providence's defensive line smothering Stanton's run game.
“We need our guards and tackles to block their roles,” said Stanton tight end Brett Andersen. “Half the time we didn’t do that.”
Stanton running back Jaylen Jackson finally broke out early in the second half with a 41-yard run to the Providence 10. However, on the ensuing play, Providence's Gavin Brunson recovered a Blue Devil fumble and returned it 90 yards for a defensive touchdown. Helm added another rushing touchdown for Providence midway through the third, bringing the score to 37-0.
QB Chris McDonnell rolls out for a pass during the first half of Friday’s game (photo taken by Tyler Pottenburgh).
Staring down a shutout, Stanton found the end zone with five minutes left in the game. quarterback Chris McDonnell completed a long pass to wide receiver Jacob Mohrmonn, getting the Blue Devils into the red zone for only the second time all night. Jaylen Jackson scored a rushing touchdown on the following play for Stanton's lone score of the night.
“I have to give praise to [Jacob] Mohrmonn,” said McDonnell. “He made me look good out there.”
Providence improves to 1-1, while 0-1 Stanton will play its next two games on the road. The Blue Devils will not play at home again for nearly a month, when they face Christ’s Church Academy on Oct. 9.