QUINCE ORCHARD — From the first whistle to the last, Quince Orchard played dominant football on both sides and decisively beat Annapolis, 42-15, on Friday night.
In a game marred by flags, the Cougars were able to keep their confidence and swagger thanks to leadership from head coach John Kelley.
“Offensively, we made some personnel mistakes getting guys off the field so guys were a little discombobulated,” Kelley said. “At halftime we just said we were gonna go at them and keep playing defense. They were awesome and that was the key.”
The Cougars defense was so dominate, they held Annapolis standout running back, John Hughes, to four yards on four carries into halftime.
Quince Orchard’s offensive line opened up holes for Marvin Beander, who ran for 177 yard and two touchdowns.
They also did a great job in protection, helping Doc Bonner to throw for 135 yards. Wide receiver Kieron Jones totaled 88 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
University of Maryland commit, Fofie Bazzie, provided an energy boost out of the second half gates, racing 61 yards on the opening kickoff.
“Boosted us even more, made us want it even more,” Bonner said. “(The return) gave us great field position and the only option we had was to punch it in.”
Annapolis scored their only two touchdowns on a Justin Williams goal-line score and when Hughes broke free for a 65-yard dash.
By that time the game was already decided. The emotional Cougar sideline and was congratulating each other by that time and the faithful student section was chanting “We ready for Wise.”
In a game filled with intensity and physicality, the players and coaches finally allowed themselves time to let this moment sink in.
With a team as talented as this one, there is no doubt that they will be ready for the biggest game of their season against a formidable Wise program looking to repeat as 4A state champions once again.
