Blazers Dominate in Week 1 Home Win
Silver Spring, MD - In front of a capacity crowd, the Montgomery Blair Blazers capitalized on five Kennedy turnovers and a swarming defense to capture a home opening victory, 25-0 over the Kennedy Cavaliers.
After exchanging early punts, Montgomery Blair capitalized on a Kennedy fumble forced by senior defensive lineman Zaevan Prince (4 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 forced fumble) and recovered by classmate Walter Blanco, his first of two on the day. The offense would take over from there, marching 33 yards in 5 plays to take a 7-0 first quarter lead. On 4th and 4, QB Raymond Burtnick (10/22, 176 yards, 1 TD) found Senior WR Darrell Blue (7 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD) on the left sideline for an 18 yard gain. Burtnick did the rest himself, running into the endzone untouched on a 5 yard touchdown run.
Both teams exchanged punts, penalities, and first-game errors for most of the second quarter, as Blair would take a 7-0 lead into halftime.
But the second half was all Blair. A stifling defense, led by Yonis Blanco, Edwin Ramos, Gladimir Dupalis, Walter Blanco and Prince would force 5 turnovers on the day (3 fumbles, 2 interceptions), and the offense would strike early in the third quarter when Burtnick once again found Blue, this time for 33 yards and a touchdown.
"It took us a little time to get the game one jitters out, but I think we settled in and played a decent second half," commented head coach Andrew Fields. "We will need to address a few issues, but I am proud of our guys."
In the fourth quarter, Kennedy began to fatigue, and Blair would take full advantage. Forcing yet another interception, this time by Chris Green, the Blazers would march 57 yards, keyed by a 25 yard Gage Hack run. The drive would culminate with Hack plunging in from one yard away with 4 minutes remaining, and the Blazers sealing the win.
After exchanging early punts, Montgomery Blair capitalized on a Kennedy fumble forced by senior defensive lineman Zaevan Prince (4 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 forced fumble) and recovered by classmate Walter Blanco, his first of two on the day. The offense would take over from there, marching 33 yards in 5 plays to take a 7-0 first quarter lead. On 4th and 4, QB Raymond Burtnick (10/22, 176 yards, 1 TD) found Senior WR Darrell Blue (7 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD) on the left sideline for an 18 yard gain. Burtnick did the rest himself, running into the endzone untouched on a 5 yard touchdown run.
Both teams exchanged punts, penalities, and first-game errors for most of the second quarter, as Blair would take a 7-0 lead into halftime.
But the second half was all Blair. A stifling defense, led by Yonis Blanco, Edwin Ramos, Gladimir Dupalis, Walter Blanco and Prince would force 5 turnovers on the day (3 fumbles, 2 interceptions), and the offense would strike early in the third quarter when Burtnick once again found Blue, this time for 33 yards and a touchdown.
"It took us a little time to get the game one jitters out, but I think we settled in and played a decent second half," commented head coach Andrew Fields. "We will need to address a few issues, but I am proud of our guys."
In the fourth quarter, Kennedy began to fatigue, and Blair would take full advantage. Forcing yet another interception, this time by Chris Green, the Blazers would march 57 yards, keyed by a 25 yard Gage Hack run. The drive would culminate with Hack plunging in from one yard away with 4 minutes remaining, and the Blazers sealing the win.