Penn High School’s Football team dominated Marian High School Friday, Sept. 20, securing a 24-7 victory.
The game started with Penn kicking off, with Dylan DeDario sending the ball deep into the end zone. Marian started their first drive on the 20-yard line, but immediately fumbled on its first play. Penn then recovered the ball on the 3-yard line, setting them up for an easy touchdown. Unfortunately, a penalty for illegal formation pushed them back five yards, but Penn thankfully recovered, with Kellen Watson making a beautiful pass to Tayshon Bardo into the end zone for a touchdown. DeDario added the extra point, and Penn took an early 7-0 lead.
Marian struggled again on the next kickoff, with Braxton Brooks pushing to the 38-yard line before they made yet another fumble. This time, Marian recovered but took a big loss of nine yards. After a short drive attempt, Marian was forced to punt. Right after which, a 23-yard drive was made by Penn, but ended in a 33-yard field goal attempt by DeDario. The attempt was blocked, keeping the score at 7-0.
Marian then made a pass which resulted in an astounding interception by Penn on the 39-yard line. On a fourth down play, Penn threw a pass to Jerimiah Mitchell, extending their drive and leading to a 34-yard field goal by DeDario. With Penn up 10-0, Marian was struggling to keep possession and was unable to get any offense going as the first quarter came to a close.
Right off the bat, Penn scored a 62-yard touchdown by Jaedon Parker, putting the score to 17-0 after DeDario’s extra point. Marian finally responded with a huge 75-yard touchdown by Braxton Brooks, making the score 17-7 after the extra point. However, Marian’s defense took a huge loss as they committed not one, not two, but FOUR flags in a row, giving Penn 40 yards and an easy path to the end zone. Watson’s pass to Bardo resulted in another touchdown, and DeDario’s extra point made it 24-7 going into halftime.
In the second half, Penn received the kickoff, but a holding penalty stalled their first drive. Marian’s defense managed to slow the Kingsmen’s progress, resulting in a 45-yard field goal attempt by DeDario that was missed yet again. When Marian received the ball, however, Penn’s defense kept Marian from getting any leverage. The Kingsmen received the ball as the third quarter came to a close.
In the final quarter, both teams exchanged ball possession without much movement. However, Penn’s defense sacked Marian’s quarterback late in the game, ending the game with an interception, solidifying their 24-7 win, and making their total score 2-1 this season.
