Stanton Falls to Hilliard in Home Opener
BY GAVIN GRADY | SEPT. 3, 2021 | SPORTS
The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity football team remained winless Friday night with a 51-2 home loss against the undefeated Hilliard High School Red Flashes.
The Red Flashes immediately looked to strike first as they returned the opening kick off to Stanton’s own 45-yard line. Junior Quarterback for the Red Flashes, Lyle Bennet, looked to go deep early on in the opening drive throwing to Sophomore receiver Brayden Motto. Aided by Stanton corner Alphonso Foster’s pass interference call, the Red Flashes found themselves within 15 yards of the endzone. With a hurried run-pass option play, Bennet rushed into the endzone to give Hilliard an early 7-0 lead.
The Blue Devils could not get their offense going as their first drive ended after just four downs.
Senior DJ Costen opened Hilliard’s second drive with an immediate run for a first down, increasing the Red Flashes’ confidence. Despite the Red Flashes’ dominant success in the run game, Bennet aired it out to Motto yet again, this time for a 30-yard touchdown making the score 14-0.
To continue their success, with two minutes left in the first quarter, the Red Flashes’ next possession was driven with another run-pass option giving Bennet another 50 yards to his total. Stanton’s defense could not contain the run game, as Costen ran for two more touchdowns on each of Hilliard’s next drives.
In the second quarter, Stanton looked to widen their playbook and go deep to Senior receiver Andrew Anton. Pass interference was called on the play bringing the Blue Devils into Hilliard’s own ten for the first time of the day. Despite the opportunity, Stanton turned the ball over after four downs.
This lead to Hilliard’s offensive line falling apart within their own five and a Hilliard safety securing the Blue Devil’s first points of the season.
Photo taken by Cameron Kight
Despite the achievement, Stanton’s defense could not stop Hilliard’s offensive strides, as Costen took it to the house again off of a screen pass from Bennet ending the half 35-2.
In spite of Coach Mike Healy’s words during halftime, the Blue Devils could not mount a comeback.
Sophomore running back for the Red Flashes, Braydon Holley, returned a kickoff for a touchdown following a Stanton safety.
Neither team could create any offense in the fourth quarter with both teams remaining scoreless bringing the final score to 51-2.
Hilliard moves on to face Paxon School for Advanced Studies next week after their 2-0 start to the season. Stanton aims to get their first win next week against the Bishop Kenny Crusaders.