Chargers Bear Down on John Marshall, 50-14

The Chargers opened District play by facing the 3A #6 John Marshall Bears. Leading up to this highly anticipated match-up, The Hall knew that John Marshall would be a fast paced and very physical game. Coach Bogert's squad knew that the Bears had a high-powered offense and, in order to be successful, they were going to have to neutralize John Marshall's speed.

The Chargers started the first quarter strong Robert Mbroh ran for 2 yards to put the Hall up 7-0. Moments after scoring, the weather rolled in, lightning roared, and the game was delayed as fans were sent to the MAC.

After a 30-minute wait, the Chargers finally took the field again. Junior running back Payton Earnest caught a 34 yard reception from Robert Mbroh to add another Charger touchdown. Shortly after his first touchdown, Earnest received a 22 yard pass from Jackson Jobe to put the Chargers up 21-0.

Throughout the first quarter the Bears couldn't get going and the Chargers began to take over on both sides of the ball.

Harvard commit Philip Smitherman started the 2nd quarter off right with a 16 yard touchdown run.

This time, the Bears responded when Bryce Stephens threw a 75 yard pass to get John Marshall on the board.

One drive later, Stephens was on the run, scrambled into the end zone and was dropped by Hardy Bowers, who added 2 points to the Hall's score with the safety.

The Bears went on to score another touchdown and make the score 29-14 going into the locker rooms at halftime.

After the break, the Chargers forced a Bears punt and Smitherman ran for 3 yards to stretch the lead to 36-14. To start the fourth, Jobe found Smitherman on a 4 yard pass for another score.

The Charger defense shut down John Marshall – the Bears failed to score in the second half. After Gavin Freeman stripped the ball, Junior defensive back Joe Washington returned a fumble 18 yards and closed out the game for the Chargers, 50-14.

The Hall's leading passer was Jobe with 166 yards and two touchdowns. Fresh off a Homecoming King coronation, Smitherman had a huge night – 88 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns, 59 yards receiving with another score, and 14 tackles to lead the team on defense. Will Dunn recorded 3 sacks in the game, and his teammates added 7 more, for an amazing 10 from the team.

Heritage Hall took control early to take down the Bears and keep their goals of a District title and Gold Ball on track. The Chargers are back on the road next week to tackle the #8 Perkins-Tryon Demons in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Onward, Chargers!!!

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