Mavericks run over Chesapeake, 38-0

Eastern Tech football coach Marc Mesaros knew coming into the game that Baltimore County foe Chesapeake had a knack for pulling out close games.

He only needed to think back to early September of last year when the Bayhawks edged his Mavericks, 15-13, handing Eastern Tech its only loss of the 2009 season that culminated in a Class 2A state title.

But on Friday night at CCBC-Essex, the Mavericks blew open the game early and claimed a 38-0 victory over Chesapeake.

“[Chesapeake] is as tough as they come and are a really well-coached, well-prepared team,” said Mesaros.

He added: “They have a habit of winning real close games and we know we had to open it up to win.”

The Mavericks used a stout defense and  an explosive running game to shut out the visiting Bayhawks, which had to play the game without starting quarterback Delvonta Cole, who injured his leg in last week’s win over Dundalk.

Senior backup quarterback Eric Doyle replaced Cole but had a hard time with the Eastern Tech defense, led by senior defensive lineman Dan McManus.  McManus sacked Cole twice and finished with nine tackles in the game.

“I give all the credit in the world to Chesapeake’s quarterback [Doyle] for stepping into a tough situation,” said Mesaros.  “I think Cole is a good player and when he went down last week with a broken leg, it kind of changed their game plan.”

The Mavericks rolled up 390 total yards of offense while holding the Bayhawks to just five yards for the entire game. Chesapeake didn’t get its only first down until there were 47 seconds left in the third quarter.

“The defensive line was unstoppable, they were all around the ball on the defense and that’s what did for us,” said McManus.  “Last year, we always wanted to see zero points on the board [from the opponent] but teams always got six in. We couldn’t really get it done last year but we’re more explosive this year.”

Chris Pomoroy, Michael Wright and Brandon Jones each had a sack and Milan Barry-Pollock and Brian Okereke both picked off a pass for the Mavericks.

Running backs Sayvon Norman (eight carries, 82 yards) and Josh Cannella (18-56) each rushed for two scores while Kenyon Crawford and Okereke found the end zone once for Eastern Tech (4-0 overall, 1-0 3A/2A).  Daryn Davis (12-72) starting for injured starter Marquiese Bannister, who suffered an ankle injury last week.

Chesapeake (3-1, 0-1) held its first three opponents to a combined 16 points but the Mavericks lined up and ran it straight at their defense which was led by defensive lineman Jacob Beckham, Edwin Thomason and Chance Young.

Defensive back Brandon Kidd accounted for the Bayhawks’ longest play when he returned a fumble 47-yards in the second quarter to Mavericks territory but Chesapeake fumbled the next play, giving it back to Eastern Tech.

Eastern Tech travels Overlea while the Bayhawks try to rebound when they host Randallstown next Friday.

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