DAMASCUS — Behind their potent rushing attack and stifling defense, Damascus (11-0) took care of business in their playoff opener against Linganore (7-4), 21-7.
Hornets running back and University of Richmond commit, Markus Vinson, rushed for 179 yards and punched in three touchdowns, all in the first half.
The defense allowed seven first downs all night, with the first one occurring late in the second quarter.
The Swarming Hornets also forced three turnovers, none of which was more devastating than on Linganore’s first drive of the second half. Damascus was able to force a fumble in their own red-zone after Linganore was able to run and pass the ball effectively into their own red-zone. Unfortunately, that turnover killed all the momentum Linganore built up.
Despite the victory, the Damascus defense was disturbingly undisciplined — drawing nine penalties. Unsportsmanlike conduct flags flew twice on consecutive possessions, and the star of the night, Vinson, even had a pass-interference flag.
After Vinson’s phenomenal first half, the Swarming Hornets turned to Cedric Cole (34 yards on six carries) and TD Ayo-Durojaiye (35 yards on nine carries) to run some clock and move the chains.
Linganore didn’t score until late in the fourth quarter on a Zamarre Snowden 4-yard run when the game was in Damascus’ favor. Snowden finished with 79 yards on 19 carries.
Next week, Damascus, who has now won 25 straight games, plays Oakdale in the 3A West region championship.
