Jones-Davis runs wild ,Mcdevitt topples Mechanicsburg

Tagged under: District 3, Gameday Hub, News

Quincy Piper | November 16, 2024

As the saying goes, defense wins championships. Fortunately enough for Bishop McDevitt, their defense was exceptional tonight as they downed Mechanicsburg on their home field, 26-14. The Crusaders came into the evening fresh off a dominant 42-7 victory over Conrad Weiser, and they didn’t miss a beat.

Bishop McDevitt’s first drive was a statement, as quarterback Saunders connected with sophomore speedster Jontai Quick for a 38-yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but the Crusaders quickly took a 6-0 lead with 7:01 left in the first quarter. On the very next drive, the Crusaders’ defense stepped up as Tyler Rhinehart intercepted Mechanicsburg quarterback Eli Reider, notching his first of three picks on the evening with 6:01 left in the second quarter.

The Crusaders capitalized on the turnover, getting back into the end zone on their ensuing possession. Saunders and Quick connected once again, this time on a 7-yard touchdown pass, making it 12-0. However, Mechanicsburg responded swiftly. On their next drive, Reider and Isaac Dollman connected on a screen pass that led to a 25-yard touchdown. The extra point was good, cutting the lead to 12-7 with 2:37 remaining in the second quarter.

Mechanicsburg took advantage of a McDevitt punt on the following drive, working their way down the field and eating up almost seven minutes of clock. Reider capped the drive by calling his own number, scoring on a 2-yard run. With the extra point good, Mechanicsburg took a 14-12 lead with 6:53 left in the second quarter.

The Crusaders quickly responded, as Nazir Jones-Davis punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to put McDevitt back on top. Saunders then connected with Gage Ruth for a two-point conversion, making it 20-14 with 2:06 left in the second quarter.

The two teams exchanged interceptions on their first two drives of the third quarter, but McDevitt would strike again. This time it was Nazir Jones-Davis, who sprinted 41 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 26-14. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but that score would hold as the final. Despite both teams trading interceptions in the fourth quarter, neither could capitalize on the turnovers, and McDevitt held on for the win.

Tyler Rhinehart, who finished the game with three interceptions, spoke about his performance: “I’m just happy I was able to do my job. Our coaches had a great game plan, and I was able to help execute it.”

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