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David Stone Terrorizes St. Joes Prep in IMG’s 17-14 Win

Tagged under: District 12, Game Photos, Gameday Hub, News

| August 26, 2023

David Stone, ranked number six in the ESPN 300 rankings showed why he was ranked so high. SJP’s o-line struggled against Stone as he was seen in the backfield either getting pressure on QB Samaj Jones or slowing down the running game. Outside of Stone making plays at the line, DB Ellis Robinson IV and Amari Jones both got their hands on the ball with each of them tallying an interception. While Prep’s defense was making up for the issues at offense, too many mistakes ultimately put them in the loser’s collum.

“Offense struggled but they’ll fix it. Even though you work hard and prepare doesn’t always mean you’re successful on the field or in life.”-Head Coach Tim Roken on Prep’s offensive struggle.

The game was all defensive in the first half with only ten points put up on the board. Both teams looked like they wouldn’t move an inch, and if they let up yardage they would just get it back. While Prep’s offense was letting in a lot of pressure, it wouldn’t be fair to say IMG’s wasn’t either. Prep’s defensive line led by Maxwell Roy and Ivan Bailey-Greene was keeping IMG’s QB Jayden Bradford under stress. Having to escape the pocket more than not and great coverage from the secondary led to missed passes and Bradford having to scramble and take hits.

While IMG’s Jerrick Gibson was using his pure raw skill to make plays on the field, Prep forgot that Bradford could make plays with his legs. Two minutes and fifty-three seconds into the second, Bradford took an option play fifty-one yards to the endzone giving IMG their 7-0 lead. IMG struggled to get a drive going after that up until the last drive of the half. Starting from their thirty-six-yard line and moving the ball all the way to the seven-in-five plays set IMG up with a first and goal. As time was running out IMG had to make haste decisions leaving their drive ending in only three to close the half out up 10-0.

“I mean I never think it’s one play, it’s probably usually six to eight in my time and they understand they can make a difference but there’s a couple there that could swing momentum obviously that was probably one of them”- coach Roken on if Bradfords big run was the turning point in the game.

IMG came out and went all the way on their first drive from their thirty to Prep’s forty-five before striking. A forty-five-yard catch and run by 4-star Jr. Donovan Olugbode gave IMG the 17-0 lead with 9:56 remaining in the third. IMG didn’t score in the remainder of the game but didn’t let Prep’s offense get going. The star of the day on defense Stone committed to Oklahoma at half, after he came back out he looked way more energized and more dominant as the weight of his decision was lifted from his shoulders.

Momentum started to shift at the end of the third when Prep made a stunning play. A blocked punt by Erick Sanches returned by Rahmir Hardy for thirty-two yards put Prep on the board at the end of the third. Once IMG got the ball back at their twenty to start the fourth, Prep struck again. Sophomore Alex Haskell Jr. sacked and stripped Bradford and Anthony Sacca returned it for the touchdown to bring Prep within three points with 10:39 remaining in the game.

“Our defense played tremendously and kept us in the game”- Said Coach Roken.

Time was ticking down inside two minutes and IMG still had the ball. A first and ten soon became a fourth and nine. One last shot for SJP. A lobbed ball to the right side of the endzone was broken up with a minute and forty-six remaining in the game but called back right away with a holding call. IMG escaped Prep’s comeback to advance to 2-0 on the year while Prep losses its first of the year and falls to 0-1 to start the season.

Photo Creds: @Sykotyk  twitter/X
Quote Creds: @Protime_PFN  twitter/X

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