MLK uses big plays, defense to take down Central
Tagged under: District 12, Gameday Hub, News
Billy Splain | September 17, 2023
It took just two plays for the Cougars to take control of the game. Makhai Robinson busted off two huge td runs consecutively to put MLK up 14-0 and they never relinquished the lead. “This started early this week. A lot of the guys responded to the loss we took earlier on, we had great numbers at practice this week and that helps put us in sync” said Cougar head coach Malik Jones. MLK stayed in sync for most of the game to come away with a 28-14 win over Central. “I don’t want to rely on big plays, I’d prefer to use churning drives, but I’ll take the win.”
It took just three plays to get on the board. on the third play, Robinson broke free on the left side and sprinted by everyone for the score. The two pointer made it a quick 8-0 lead.
Cougars on the board after three plays. Makhai Robinson 56 yards. They get the two. 8-0 @MLK_football 9:51 first pic.twitter.com/tyB88fCX5A
— Pennsylvania Football News (@PaFootballNews) September 16, 2023
Central was unable to move the ball on their first drive, and once again Robinson did his thing. This time up the middle.
45 yard Td run by @zay29k . 20-0 @MLK_football pic.twitter.com/XnP9ftk55h
— Pennsylvania Football News (@PaFootballNews) September 16, 2023
“I knew the holes would be there, I just had to believe in my line” said Robinson of his runs. To Central’s credit they were able to move the ball on the Cougar defense, they just struggled finishing drives. MLK missed on an opportunity to score with great field possession after a bad punt put them at the Central 32 but they fumbled the ball away. Central went on a nice, time consuming drive starting at their own 4 but eventually the Lancers were forced to punt. This time it only took two plays for the Cougars to strike. Quarterback Isaiah Robinson called his own number and sprinted 45 yards to put the Cougars up 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
45 yard Td run by @zay29k . 20-0 @MLK_football pic.twitter.com/XnP9ftk55h
— Pennsylvania Football News (@PaFootballNews) September 16, 2023
Central Finally put something together just before the half ended, aided by a bad MLK kickoff. Lancer quarterback Aiden McElhatton hit Vance Johnson for the 8 yard score. The kick failed but the momentum was there for the Lancers. 21-6 at the half.
Lancers on the board with 3 seconds to go in the half. 8 yard pass from Aiden McElhatton To @VancejohnsonV makes it a 20-6 game. Halftime. @centrallancers trail @MLK_football pic.twitter.com/aR8jllQiuV
— Pennsylvania Football News (@PaFootballNews) September 16, 2023
“We have to eliminate the mistakes we make. You make mistakes, get behind on the chains, it’s tough to win that way” said Lancer head coach Richard Drayton. After the break, Central moved the ball from their 21 to the 50 but once again the Cougar defense made the stop. And once again it was a big play score. One play to be correct. Shamir Norton busted off a 48 yard run to put MLK up 28-6. Central did manage another score by switching to the wildcat with Johnson, who scored on an 8 yard run late in the fourth quarter.
The Lancers will look for the first win at KIPP Cooper Norcross and MLK plays Mastery.
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