Damascus Hands Sherwood 1st Home Loss Since '06
Written by: Johnny the Greek
SANDY SPRING, MD- The Damascus Swarmin' Hornets came out stinging from the first whistle to snap Sherwood's 20 game winning streak and hand them their first home loss since 2006 in a 26-22 thriller.
It was apparent that Swarmin' Hornets are playing in a playoff mode since suffering their 2nd loss in over-time to Seneca Valley. Although both teams were ready and motivated for the game, Damascus seemed to have that sense of urgency that gave them the edge in this game.
The game began when Andy Estrain kicked off to Greg Stanton who received the ball on the 35-yard line. He promptly returned the ball down to the 5-yard line after being caught from behind by Patrick Sumner. Two Brian Lucas runs later gave the Swarmin' Hornets a 7-0 lead.
During Sherwood's ensuing drive, A.J. Pignone threw a perfect pass to a wide-open Jamal Merritt that was dropped. After a three-and-out Sherwood punted back to Damascus.
After a four play 60-yard drive, Brian Lucas scored his second touchdown, a 8-yard run to the right side. The extra point was blocked, giving Damascus a 13-0 lead with 8:22 left in the first quarter.
This young Sherwood team needed to get the momentum back or the game would have gotten out of hand. The Swarmin' Hornets were riding a wave of momentum not seen in Sandy Spring for many years.
The Stormin' Warriors put together a long 11-play drive which resulted in a A.J. Pignone to Steve Valois touchdown pass for 8-yards.
On the ensuing drive, Brian Lucas fumbled the ball and an alert Joey Carswell picked the ball up and ran untouched for a 20-yard touchdown. With 8:18 left in the second quarter the lead and momentum belonged to Sherwood.
The momentum and the lead did not last long, Brian Lucas scored his third touch-down of the first half, a 22-yarder. Damascus went for a 2-point conversion, Lucas was stuffed by Greg Grant and company.
Damascus had a first and goal with under 2:00 left in the in the half. Sherwood's defense held them out of the end zone and forced them to attempt a field goal. The field goal attempt hit crossbar and the half-time score was 19-14 Damascus.
Cyrus Britt gave the Warrior's back the lead after a long drive resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run. Britt also scored the 2-point conversion giving Sherwood a 22-19 lead with 3:27 left in the third quarter.
The Sherwood lead was short lived however. After a long 40 yard kick-off return by Lucas, Connor Frazer scored a 44-yard touch down on a quarterback draw.
Sherwood got deep into Damascus territory in the forth quarter, but a critical turnover gave Damascus the ball. Damascus would hold on to the ball the rest of the game except for on play.
On the final play of the game deep in his own territory Pignone was sacked as time ran out.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Brian Lucas, Damascus HB/FB/QB/LB/K/P
Lucas appears to be the heart and soul the Swarmin' Hornets. He was all over the field. He played half back, full back, took direct snaps as quarterback, kicked off, punted and played linebacker.
Connor Frazer, Damascus QB
Although he had modest passing stats, Frazer's running helped keep Sherwood off balance. His 44-yard game winning touchdown was the play of the game.
Cyrus Britt, Sherwood HB/DB
Britt was a workhorse for the Stormin' Warriors tonight. Known as a speed guy, Britt showed he could run between the tackles. He had 34 carries for 174 yards. Except for a 51-yard run, most of his yards came between the tackles in 4 to 5 yard chunks.
Greg Grant, Sherwood DL
Although the Sherwood defense gave up more points in this game than the previous six games combined. This should not diminish the play of Grant. Grant was a force to be reckoned with and made several tackles behind the line of scrimmage and put pressure on Frazer when he dropped back to pass.
Damascus Leaders:
Passing: Frazier 7/13/75 (1 Int)
Rushing: Lucas 24/110 (3 TD's) (2 TO), Frazier 11/84 (1 TD)
Receiving: Stanton 3/54
First Downs: 11 (3 by way of penalty)
Sherwood Leaders:
Passing: Pignone 3/8/20 (1 TD)
Rushing: Britt 34/174 (1 TD)
Receiving: Valois 2/23 (1 TD)
First Downs: 11
NEXT GAMES:
Friday, October 23
Northwood (2-5) @ Damascus (5-2)
Churchill (7-0) @ Sherwood (6-1)
