Bennett holds off late push from Wihi to become city champs

A strong game from James M. Bennett High Schools senior running

back Ty King, helped push the Clippers to a 21-33 victory over
Wicomico High School Friday evening.
Kings strong play, which included 176 yards rushing on 32 carries, 23
yards receiving, and two touchdowns, proved to be just enough to put
away the Indians.
We played together great as a team, King said. Once we figured out
what we had to do to stop them it was game over.
The game didnt necessarily start in favor of the Clippers, with the
home team giving up a 20-yard touchdown run to Wihis senior running
back, Nate Gaines. An extra point placed the Indians up 7-0 early in
the first quarter.
The next two drives for each team resulted in punts, followed by a
botched punt from Wihi that gave the Clippers great field position to
start their drive.
King led his team down into the red zone, which made way for a 2-yard
touchdown run by sophomore fullback, Loma Thomas. An extra point
from Bennetts kicker tied the ball game at 7-7.
The next possession for Wihi was one that would ultimately see their
night go from good to bad. Wihis junior quarterback, Jason Patterson,
would have his pass intercepted by junior guard, Trafford Trevorrow.
Bennett seemed to be on cruise control from this point on, scoring their
next two possessions, a 32-yard field goal from kicker Steve Oscar, as
well as 23 yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback, Joey Geary to
King. Which allowed them to enter halftime with a 7-17 lead and all
momentum on their side.
Whether its running the ball or catching the ball, I go out there and do
whatever my team asks of me to make sure we win, King said.
The third quarter began and Bennett started right where they left off,
with King scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run. Quickly followed by a 6yard touchdown pass from Geary to junior wide receiver Matt
Crysostome.
Bennett seemed to be in control of the game, but just when they
started getting to comfortable, Wihi showed a last chance glimmer of

hope. Nate Gaines rushed in a 20-yard touchdown, followed by a

completed 2-point conversion to cut the lead to 15-30, in favor of
Bennett.
Oscar followed the next possession up with a beautiful 45-yard field
goal, to push the lead to 15-33.
With Wihi still building off of momentum, they entered the fourth
quarter ready to give it all. Patterson connected on an array of passes
between receivers Barry Gaines Jr., Josh Nicolas and Raekwon
McCarter.
Patterson connected with Gaines Jr. on a beautiful 52-yard hail mary
that cut the lead to 21-33 after a failed 2-point conversion.
It took a little longer than expected for our quarterback to get in
rhythm, but once he did you could see he was really enjoying himself
out there, said Wihis Head Coach Pat McGlinchey.
Wihi then recovered two straight onside kicks but all chances were cut
short after Patterson threw his second interception of the evening,
giving Bennett the opportunity to run out the clock.
Bennetts Head Coach, Hoot Gibson, explained that his boys began to
celebrate a little too soon, which ultimately allowed the Indians back
into the game.
We let our emotions get the best of us, he said. We racked up some
pretty stupid penalties and started running our mouths. That is not
how I want my boys to play.
Despite almost giving up a 20-point lead, Gibson was very proud of the
hard work his team has put in this season, emphasizing on how
important the turnovers were.
Thats something we have been stressing all season, just making big
plays when they need to be made, he said.
The win came at a perfect time for Gibsons team, with him
emphasizing how important it was for them to realize that they were
city champs for the night. Were city champs could be heard
numerous times within the post game huddle.
As for Wihi, this unfortunately puts an end to their season. McGlinchey
was very proud of his team, having fought through a season plagued
with numerous injuries.

It was a tough season for us, not just the injuries, but the schedule
was a really hard one, he said. But we will be back in the gym within
a few days prepping for next season. Dont you worry, Wicomico High
will be back next year.
James M. Bennett (7-3, 4-3) will take on () on (date) in the next
round of the playoffs.