What I saw last night at Spartan Stadium was an East Ascension team on the rise. They went toe to toe with a defending state champion, the Zachary Broncos, gave them everything they had, and did not blink. There were nine lead changes in this slug fest that saw the Spartans come out victorious. Much like a David versus Goliath or even more appropriate the Battle of Thermopylae, it seemed liked the Spartans were outmatched. But, they proved to be too much for the Broncos.
For the Spartan offense, senior quarterback Cameron Jones threw for three touchdowns and added two more on the ground. “I read the defense on that last touchdown. It was our read option, the running back was supposed to get that, but I read the defense and pulled it and was able to score.” Jones said about scoring the go ahead touchdown. Rotation quarterback, Hobert Grayson would also add a score on the ground himself. “Hobert (Grayson) came in with some fresh legs and stepped up big for us tonight. He came off the bench when we needed him and broke a few runs for us.” Coach Lee said of the senior quarterback. Grayson also adds a wrinkle to the offense by adding a change of pace for the Spartans. Senior wide receiver Steve McBride, had an excellent night as well, with three receiving touchdowns, all of which came from at least 25 yards or more. “Big players, make big plays, and this is something we expect to do, we made history tonight.” McBride said after the win. “Steve is a great kid, works hard in practice, what you see out here is what you see in practice, he’s a competitor. He wants the best DB every time, and he’s going to war, and we’re blessed to have him.” Coach Lee said of McBride.
With the Broncos offense, senior quarterback Keilon Brown, was a man on a mission. Practically putting the team on his back, when the Broncos needed a play, Brown somehow found a way to keep drives alive. While Brown has tremendous arm strength, it was with his feet that he did the most damage to the Spartan defense. Gashing them for big gains and several touchdowns. “(Keilon) Brown is a special kid, very experienced, anytime you go against a guy like him your offense is going to have to score some points.” Lee said of Brown’s playmaking ability.
Defensively, the Spartans got off to a tremendous start. Forcing the Broncos to back-to-back 3-and-outs. As the game progressed the heat took its toll on the East Ascension front seven which allowed Bronco quarterback Keilon Brown to break containment and work his magic. Having long scoring runs of at least 35 yards late in the first quarter and second quarter. In the fourth quarter though, two huge turnovers for the Spartans would help lead to victory. A fumble caused by senior OLB/DE Da’Jon Jones was recovered junior DL Ashton Miller, and an interception by senior DB Jyren Ester. “This was a team win, we lost some guys last year, they lost some guys last year, and when you get two teams coming together like that, and you get a chance to get a “W” on a Coach Brewerton team you better enjoy it.” says Lee.
