The Manning Monarchs opened their 2010 season with a rout of the Scott’s Branch Eagles at Spann Stadium Friday night.
The two teams finally got to meet on the gridiron after months of preparation but it was the Monarchs that were on the winning end of a 34-14 score.
“They’re a good football team and it’s the beginning of the year,” said Manning Head Coach Robbie Briggs.
“This is a big crowd for them and a big game for everybody and we’re just happy to get the win.”
The Monarchs had some newcomers in their first real action that helped propel Manning to the win.
Darius Hammett was new to the quarterback position and RaShadd Murphy was at the receiver and defensive back spot.
“For their first time out, they performed well,” said Briggs.
Hammett ran the ball for 55 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns.
He completed 2-of-6 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown while Murphy was on the receiving end and caught the two passes including the score.
“I was very pleased with Darius Hammett’s poise when things were going bad at quarterback,” Briggs said.
“Very pleased with what RaShadd Murphy did for us tonight. He’s a new kid that we have. I’m very pleased with his effort.”
The Monarchs got the ball to open the game but the Eagles’ defense held them for four straight plays backing them up six yards following a sack on third down.
Johnny Williams got the punt and returned it to the Monarchs 34-yard line setting up SBHS in good position.
The Eagles looked to be taking advantage of the good field position as they eventually got to the 13-yard line where they were denied a first down on a 4-and-1 and gave the ball back to the Monarchs.
Manning got the ball but was again denied much progress as they faced a fourth-and-26 following two sacks.
Scott’s Branch got the punt, and began yet another drive in Monarch territory at the 37-yard line.
However, on third down, Jerrell Adams fumbled the ball away and Manning’s Fred Mallet scooped up the loose ball and raced his way to the one-yard line.
On the next play, Hammett kept the ball and plunged his way into the end zone for the Monarchs’ first touchdown with just 22 seconds left in the first quarter.
Marcos Pearson got the carry for the successful two-point conversion giving Manning an 8-0 lead.
The Eagles immediately answered with a score of their own in their next drive.
On the first play of the second quarter, Eagles Running Back Johnny Williams raced his way 31 yards to the Monarchs’ 18.
Two plays later, Adams connected with RayQuan Georgia for an 18-yard scoring strike.
After the two-point try failed, SBHS trailed 8-6 with 11:05 to go in the second quarter.
The teams exchanged punts for the remainder of the half until less than 15 seconds remained.
Manning got a drive going and moved the ball to the Eagles’ two.
On first-and-goal, Pearson got the carry and plowed his way into the end zone giving Manning a 14-6 lead.
The two point conversion was no good and Manning went into the locker room with the 14-6 lead.
On the first play of the third quarter, the Eagles’ Traven Parker got the carry and sprinted his way 65 yards for a touchdown getting the Eagles back within two points of Manning.
Williams scored the two extra points tying the game at 14 with 11:48 still to go.
However, that was as close SBHS got.
Manning’s depth began to wear down the Eagles and they scored three more touchdowns including another defensive one on a 64-yard Phillip Dukes fumble return.
Scott’s Branch outgained Manning in total yards 264 to 250, but it was the defensive performance that put them ahead.
“I was very pleased with how our D-line battled all night,” said Briggs. “We were really pleased with how we played. We’re thankful to beat a very good football team on the road.”
Manning will be on the road this week as they travel to Marion.
Scott’s Branch will also be on the road as they travel to Woodland High School in Dorchester County.
