BEAR FOOTBALL 28 SSSA 7

The Bears have history with the Saints; for some reason, the Bethesda boys have problems wrapping up games against SSSA- 2021- a 26-28 loss and 2022—a 22-23 defeat on a last second Nick-Lowery-length¹ FG kick. If that was not enough, (i) it was Landon’s Homecoming and (ii) a win was essential to lay claim to an IAC championship (thankfully, this is one sport that the Conference chooses NOT to hold a post season tournament.) 

Coach Padalino and his staff designed a game plan to bolster their players’ attack—3 touchdowns of 50+ yards and a 4th a mere 60 feet. The Landon D exhibited a bend-but-not-break strategy. 

SSSA won the toss and deferred. The first play was a nice 6 yard Nathan Furgeson to Caden Southworth pass. Then UBIE “GONE” ZAID once again exhibited his speed, toughness, and deception as he weaved his way through, drove over and sped past all of the Saints for 64 yard TD @11:09. The PAT troika of TILLER SMITH’s snap, SEAN MURRAY’s hold and CHASE ROBERTSON’s kick BEARS 7 SAINTS 0

Just as the Q mark on the scoreboard moved from one to two, Landon ran a double reverse with the ball returning to NATHAN who pitched it CADEN for a 55 yard TD, PAT good @11:50 BEARS 14 SAINTS 0

SSSA moved the ball- scrambles, broken tackles and passes for a gross gain of 43 yards, but the net of only + 29 was attributable to QB hurry by Anthony, TFL by Lucas Knight, Riley Lugar and QB sack by Anthony. Bear Fans worried at the end of the Saint escapade—a 51 yard FG attempt, but history did not repeat—it was short. 

With 6:08 until halftime, DYLAN ARYAVAND connected with “GONE” for a 80 yard TD, PAT good BEARS 21 SAINTS 0

After the 24 minute intermission, a visitors’ 3-and-out gave the ball to the home team 55 yards from another tally. A balanced attack of runs and passes advanced the line-of-scrimmage 35 yards. The denouement was a NATHAN TO SEAN MURRAY 20 YARD TD pass @ 2:49 remaining BEARS 28 SAINTS 0

The Ursine D was stingy. SSSA 1st possession: 26 yards on 10 plays. Next visitors O drive was set up 15 yards from a TD. A tremendously athletic interception gave them great field position. Four runs from the Virginia team resulted in the ball moving +9 notches—BUT NO SCORE. If they crossed the goal line, a potential big momentum swing. But NO!!! Nathan’s punt pushed them to over the midline. Nathan got the football back by catching the next offering from the opposing QB. That turnover was the proximate cause of Landon’s 3rd TD. 

The Saints booked another gross gain of 25 yards, but a visitors’ penalty, an Anthony sack, Quinn McIntyre sack led to a 3rd and 24 at the Bear 43. SSSA did not retain the ball.  

In Q4, a Bear drive started at their own 1 and they were able to hold the spheroid for 9 plays, moved the line to gain 35 yards and consumed 2:49 off the clock. The Saints finally found their rhythm and scored with 6:56 remaining. Down 21the Saints’ kicking game came into play—a successful onside kick, GREAT EXPECTATIONS—only 32 yards to narrow the margin to – 2 TDs. The home D reasserted its control- TFL by Riley and QB sack by Chase plus a fumble that took a Bear Bounce. First and ten, 3:28 to 0:00 which was eaten up by DP Pope’s runs and a killer Dylan to Ubie “Gone”. Took a knee

BEARS 28 SAINTS 7 

LANDON 6-3 onto StA game at home 11/11 H 1pm