McDowell Follows Its Offensive Line to a Dominating Playoff Victory Over Allderdice
Tagged under: District 10, District 8, Gameday Hub, News, Playoffs
TC Jones | November 12, 2022
With an all-day drenching rain that lasted throughout the entire game, it was no surprise that the weather would play a significant role in the subregional playoff matchup between District 10 champion McDowell and Pittsburgh City League runner-up Allderdice.
For the first few minutes, it looked like Allderdice might make a game of it, coming up with a big interception by Eugene Hall as McDowell was driving in the red zone.
But the Trojan defense and a heap of procedure penalties and personal fouls by the Dragons made sure that Allderdice would never get any momentum going. The wet ball made throwing it difficult for Allderdice, and when they did, McDowell’s defensive backs were ready. The Trojan’s defensive unit notched three interceptions, highlighted by a pick-six by Trey Goodwine.
While McDowell’s defense forced three three-and-outs and a turnover on downs in the 1st quarter, the Trojan offense also gained momentum behind a dominating performance by the offensive line. Scoring first, Artis Simmons ignited the offensive explosion, before crossing the goal line two more times in the first half. Running backs Bobby Blue and Stephon Porter also added touchdowns, extending the lead to 42-0 at the half.
Simmons scores from 10 yards out for his 3rd touchdown run of the game. McDowell leads 35-0 with 5 minutes left in the half @PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/ehBMhvEQWc
— T.C. Jones (@tcjones2007) November 12, 2022
“We did what we do best,” star offensive lineman Cooper Cousins said after the game. “But it wasn’t just the O-line and running backs. It was all 11 of us working together as one. And when we all work together, we are a dangerous team.”
In the second half, Allderdice running back Naeron Smith made sure the Dragons wouldn’t get blanked second half with some shifty runs, including 10- and 88-yard touchdowns. But the mercy rule running clock and the Trojan swarming defense made sure there would be no come-back bid from Allderdice. With a 42-15 victory, McDowell moves on to meet undefeated State College next week.
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