LANDON FOOTBALL 42 WALT WHITMAN HIGH SCHOOL 7

It is nice to play a neighbor, especially when its lighted stadium is less than a mile away. Having to drive almost 10 miles to Wootton High School, because Whitman’s resurfacing was not completed diminishes the neighborly aspect a bit. Having to suspend play because of lightning on Friday at 8:30pm, further reduces the amiability factor. Rescheduling the 2^nd half to Saturday at 10 am, technically sets a record for the longest time needed to complete a game (a change in month {August-September} and 16.5 hours). Winning 42-7 makes it all good.

The Vikings look forward to a 2018 season with optimism—they returned most of their key players from last year; their roster’s depth was improved by a bunch moving up from their 2017 JV.

The Bears lost some talent from last year’s 9-1 squad, but have a lot of speed, some studs up front and a smart stout D.

8/31

The Vikings remember that Jelani Machen has scored against them on two previous kick-offs; so, the kick went to Tyler Smith and the Vikings kept the Bears scoreboard at 00:00. Six runs and 1 pass consumed a little over 2 minutes, covered 66 yards and resulted in Jelani’s 1^st TD of 2018 (3 yards). Dane Camphausen’s 1^st PAT was good to make it: BEARS 7 VIKINGS 0 @ 9:57

Dane’s kick off went into the end zone. Three plays resulted in -8 yards for the Viking. The poor QB was sacked by T. Bridgers and Josh Chapman. A nice WWHS punt moved the Bears’ line of scrimmage 44 yards down the field.

A Landon penalty upped the distance to score to 66 yards. Zayd DeLane reduced that goal by 11 yards; then an inside reverse with Gernsey Johnson diminished it by 14; a brief delay due to an incomplete pass; and the last 40 yards covered by Tyler @5:52 Dane’s PAT= BEARS 14 VIKINGS 0

 Dane’s kick-off put the Vikings on the 25 yard line and the “home” team mounted a 5 play/ 27 yards drive. A WWHS punt returned possession to the Bears. This time, [during the drive, the period transitioned to the 2^nd Q] the “visitors” stalled out after some good runs and a pass. Dane punted and moved the Vikings back to the 13 yard line.

On the 2^nd play, Josh recovered a fumble two yards from the goal line. That distance was quickly traversed by Jelani M for TD#2 @ 9:09. Billy Banfield’s hold for Dane’s PAT. BEARS 21 VIKINGS 0

WWHS started at their own 23 and ended one yard back. Their punter moved the ball 43 yards down the field.

Dameon Ming earned the first three yards of this possession; Jelani M added 21 to his totals; and Tyler’s speed zoomed him down the remaining 51 yards for a TD @6:43. Dane converted the PAT BEARS 28 VIKINGS 0

The Viking O was frustrated by Josh and then Jalen Williams TFLs. The 6101 offense committed a turnover, but their Bear D Brothers deterred consequences with another Jalen TFL.

With 1:539 until half, the Bear 2 minute drill was interrupted by lightning @0:26.  The referees declared the game as suspended at 8:30pm to start the longest half time show. [The Coaches agreed not to consume the less than half a minute.]

HALFTIME BEARS 28 VIKINGS

9/1

NEW VENUE: BORDLEY STADIUM AT TRIPLETT FIELD 10am

Dane kicked off and the “home” team started on their own 25. Josh, who must have had a good night sleep, had a TFL to force a punt. A Bear punt return by Tyler (+18) gave the boys good field position. Maybe the Landon O line did not sleep well, because on 1^st down they gave up a 5 yard sack, but that adversity was easily overcome. Runs by Tyler, Jelani M and Zayd galloped the ball into the end zone. #11covered the last 2 yards @ 6:04. BEARS 35 VIKINGS 0

By rule, the advantage of 35 points requires that the clock not stop except for touchdowns. The remaining ~24 minutes took about 24 minutes.

The next play for the home team was a PICK SIX—Jelani M intercepted the ball and returned it for a TD@ 5:33 BEARS 42 VIKINGS 0

Much to their credit, the Vikings fought hard to score. A three and out was followed by a Landon fumble. WWHS, now in the 4^th quarter, executed 12 plays to cover 49 yards. The ball crossed the goal line with 0:45 remaining.

FINAL SCORE BEARS 42 VIKINGS 7

STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Bears ran 27 times of an average of 10.2 yards

Rushing

Player        rushes                 total yards

Smith         4                           103

Machen     7                           72

Johnson   8                           44

DeLane     5                           29

Harley, Chantz 2                   18

Lilly            3                           14

Ming          1                           3

Defense

22 Bears recorded a tackle or assist

4 sacks for -20 yards

My apologies—my #1 goal is to try to note as many of the players who had time on the field. Excuse (lame) #1—there was a lot of substitutions; #2 – the numbers are not yet familiar to me. #3 – there was a lot to be recorded.

#4 my Eagle eyes are failing

Next Game Home 9/7 5pm

St. Mary’s of Annapolis 2017 MIAA B Tri-Champions; no game this year; lost to Landon last year 34-24