Senior running back Juanell Walker carried the ball 17 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns to lead Episcopal to a 34-17 win over Collegiate. Walker scored on touchdown runs covering 6, 80 and 35 yards while breaking multiple tackles on each run. On several occasions the Cougars seemed to have Walker contained but he refused to go down and ended up with a big gain.
The game appeared headed for a defensive struggle as both stop units were stingy early on with no points on the scoreboard after the 1st quarter.
Episcopal ended the scoring drought just seconds into the 2nd quarter when Walker scored from six yards out to end an 8-play, 54-yard drive. The next time Walker touched the ball, he broke free for an 80 yard run down field for a touchdown with 2:36 to go before halftime. He extended the Maroon lead to 27-3 with a 35-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion run.
Episcopal also had two touchdowns on the defensive end. Junior cornerback Elijah Gaines stepped in front of a pass and returned it for a pick six. In the 2nd half, Will Cory forced a fumble on a kickoff and Notre Dame commit Litchfield Ajavon scooped up the ball from the 8-yard line and returned it for a touchdown to give the Maroon a 34-3 lead after the 3rd quarter.
Episcopal also recorded five sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. Linebacker John Boyles had about 10 tackles, a sack and a pass defense. Sophomore Bryce Steele had two sacks.
Collegiate scored two 4th quarter touchdowns to make the final score respectable. Delaware commit Ayinde Budd hauled in two touchdown receptions from Nigel Williams. He caught a 22-yard pass for a touchdown then added a 25-yard score with under two minutes to go. Budd finished with 10 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Williams completed 21 of 37 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
The game appeared headed for a defensive struggle as both stop units were stingy early on with no points on the scoreboard after the 1st quarter.
Episcopal ended the scoring drought just seconds into the 2nd quarter when Walker scored from six yards out to end an 8-play, 54-yard drive. The next time Walker touched the ball, he broke free for an 80 yard run down field for a touchdown with 2:36 to go before halftime. He extended the Maroon lead to 27-3 with a 35-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion run.
Episcopal also had two touchdowns on the defensive end. Junior cornerback Elijah Gaines stepped in front of a pass and returned it for a pick six. In the 2nd half, Will Cory forced a fumble on a kickoff and Notre Dame commit Litchfield Ajavon scooped up the ball from the 8-yard line and returned it for a touchdown to give the Maroon a 34-3 lead after the 3rd quarter.
Episcopal also recorded five sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. Linebacker John Boyles had about 10 tackles, a sack and a pass defense. Sophomore Bryce Steele had two sacks.
Collegiate scored two 4th quarter touchdowns to make the final score respectable. Delaware commit Ayinde Budd hauled in two touchdown receptions from Nigel Williams. He caught a 22-yard pass for a touchdown then added a 25-yard score with under two minutes to go. Budd finished with 10 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Williams completed 21 of 37 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
