For their annual Homecoming game, the Pelahatchie Chiefs faced off against the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Saints. The 0-5 Chiefs were looking for their first win against a 3-2 St. Andrews. Thus far, the Chiefs had only kept one game within one score and thus offensive production was going to be the key to winning the game. Like the Chiefs, offensive production would be crucial as both of the Saint’s losses were by more than 20 points.
The Saints started off strong with quarterback Friend Walker throwing an 80 yard touchdown to wide receiver Sargeant Moriarity. The very next play, the Chiefs bounced back with a 99 yard kickoff return from sophomore running back Tate Hopson to tie the game 7-7.
St. Andrews once again marched down field in scoring territory from receptions by Sargeant Moriarity. Despite multiple pass break-ups from sophomore cornerback Ethan Hagood, Walker connected to Moriarity on a slant route to put the Saints up 14-7 with little to go in the first quarter.
On the Chiefs next drive, freshman running back and linebacker Damarion Snow made several 20+ yard runs to drive them into the red zone at the end of the first quarter. At the beginning of the second quarter, Snow continued his dominance on a 10 yard touchdown to once again tie the game 14-14.
St. Andrews did not stop with their offensive attack, driving downfield quickly with receptions from John William Walker. Towards the end of the half, Friend Walker collected his third passing touchdown with a 40 yard touchdown pass to Andrew Gordon to move their lead to 21-14.
In the third quarter, the Chiefs defense caught momentum with a 3rd down quarterback hurry from senior defensive end Tucker Rowell to force a St. Andrews punt. With the ball, the Chiefs struggled to make something happen, but on fourth down, junior quarterback Javion Magee collected 30 yards on a read option to put the Chiefs within the Saints’ five yard line. Magee followed with another read option to equalize the score 21-21.
On the Saints’ next drive, the Chiefs’ secondary capitalized on throws from Friend Walker by a broken up pass from cornerback Ethan Hagood and a pass deflection from junior Myles Stringer.
Pelahatchie had received the ball once more as a result of a St. Andrews 3 and out. On the first play, Damarion Snow scored on a 75 yard rushing touchdown up the middle to put the Chiefs back on top 28-21.
On a deep pass by St. Andrews, Myles Stringer beat a defender to the ball for an interception. Unfortunately, a Chiefs punt found St. Andrews with the ball again. An incredible 30 yard catch from John William Walker and a 40 yard end zone reception from Rolen Fanning tied the match once again at 28-28.
With good field position from an unsuccessful Saints’ punt, the Chiefs were in line to take the lead. Damarion Snow struck once again with a 50 yard touchdown run to advance the score to 34-28.
On the second play of the Saints’ next drive, the ball was intercepted by junior cornerback Devin Lott on the Saints’ 25 yard line to put the Chiefs in scoring position once more. After successive runs from Snow and a two-point conversion from Hopson, the Chiefs jumped their lead to 42-28.
On the Saints’ last drive, Friend Walker connected to Rolen Fanning on a vertical route to shorten the Chiefs’ lead to one score. The Saints came up short however, as a failed onside kick gave the Chiefs possession and their first win of the season.
With a final score of 42-35, there is no doubt that the Chiefs offense was the essential factor to the Chiefs’ win. Running backs Tate Hopson and Damarion Snow showed that they can move the ball downfield and into scoring position with no problem. As long as the strong running game continues, Pelahatchie will have no trouble in terms of scoring moving into district play. On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs’ secondary showed proficiency in stopping St. Andrews’ passing game. Despite a rough start in the first half, the secondary produced multiple defensive stops thanks to Ethan Hagood and Myles Stringer.
Ultimately, the Chiefs were able to capture their first win as a result of the collective team effort. The offense and defense came together to put the Chiefs on top. As the Chiefs move into their district games, their team chemistry is what will put them on top.
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