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UPPER MARLBORO — After a historic 2015 season in which they buzz-sawed through Maryland’s top-tier classification, Wise has backed it up with another state championship crusade in the making.
After winning their first six games by an average of 40 points, the No. 3 ranked Pumas made yet another emphatic statement to competitors across the state in the 38-8 commanding victory over No. 14 Eleanor Roosevelt on Friday night.
“Coming out and to dominate like this, I think it has a statement saying Wise has a bunch of athletes,” said Wise quarterback Jabari Laws. “I thought we came in with a great game plan. Offensive line was on point and the receivers were able to make plays. That’s all we needed.”
For the Pumas (7-0), it’s their 21st straight win, a streak that dates back to 2014. There was quite a bit of hype heading into Friday night’s showdown between the two top teams in Prince George’s County.
Many suspected Wise to drop off from their dominant run a year ago. Last night was reassurance that the Pumas are still Maryland’s top public school, showcasing their hallmark athleticism and bruising physicality, especially on defense where they forced three turnovers.
The Pumas now hang on to home field advantage after the resounding win, and in the driver’s seat to capture their third state title in five years.
“It’s a race against yourself,” said Wise head coach Dalawn Parrish. “A race against the clock. You have to take every rep, and take advantage of being more proficient.”
Wise running back John Oliver ripped off a 64-yard touchdown with 2:36 left in the first quarter, going virtually untouched after cutting up the middle of the field courtesy of a truck-wide hole paved by his offensive line. The junior finished with 150 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries.
“I used my vision, I used my speed,” Oliver said of the 64-yard run that busted it open for Wise. “I couldn’t have made that play without my [offensive line].”
Wise then exploited weapons on the perimeter to overpower Eleanor Roosevelt, scoring on their next three drives on a 24-yard pass from Laws to A.J. Lytton, a 9-yard run by Laws and a 19-yard pass from Laws to Isaiah Hazel. The Pumas led 25-0 midway in the third quarter after scoring on four straight drives.
Despite the five total touchdown performance, Laws missed many assignments, which is unlike the senior shot-caller. Laws finished the night going 12-for-21 (57 percent) for 183 yards. He also added 15 yards on the ground.
Parrish claims Laws’ completion percentage is around 68 percent.
“He generally doesn’t do that,” Parrish said of Laws missing his receivers. “He’s a veteran. … He was uncharacteristic today. A lot of overthrows, missed a lot of guys that were wide open. … He stayed focused and kept at it.”
Eleanor Roosevelt got on the board when Jaden Faulkner connected with Raymond Boone on a 40-yard score with under two minutes to go in the third quarter.
Two more Laws touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, one to Lytton and the final to Malcolm Sumler, sealed the statement win.
Wise, who will look to extend their winning-streak to 22 games, plays Bowie next week.
“We have to play together,” Laws said. “As for me, I feel like I have to get more accurate. That’s what it’s going to take.”
Hazel finished with 64 yards on four receptions. Demetri Morsell gained 59 yards on three receptions for Wise.
Eleanor Roosevelt running back Karl Mofor totaled 101 yards on 19 carries.
“It’s not about who your opponent is, it’s about you,” Parrish said. “We have to fight to get better, and that’s what we continue to do.”
Box score
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| No. 3 Wise (7-0) | 7 | 12 | 6 | 13 | 38 |
| No. 14 ER (5-2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Scoring summary
First quarter
Wise — John Oliver 64-yard run (PAT good), 7:36
Second quarter
Wise — A.J. Lytton 24-yard pass from Jabari Laws (PAT no good), 8:33
Wise — Jabari Laws 9-yard run (PAT no good), 0:33
Third quarter
Wise — Isaiah Hazel 19-yard pass from Jabari Laws (PAT no good), 6:49
ER — Raymond Boone 40-yard pass from Jaden Faulkner (Karl Mofor run), 1:03
Fourth quarter
Wise — A.J. Lytton 4-yard pass from Jabari Laws (PAT good), 5:16
Wise — Malcolm Sumler 30-yard pass from Jabari Laws (PAT no good), 0:05
