Chargers blast rockets in Senior Night showdown

The Chargers rounded out the regular season facing a familiar District foe, the Mount St. Mary Rockets. Heritage Hall came into this game with great momentum from last week's impressive blowout win at Kingfisher. The Hall wanted to continue playing at that very high level and improve heading to the playoffs. Based on recent years results, this matchup had been a very high scoring one in favor of the Chargers.

Before the game, a strong senior class was honored in front of the limited-seating home crowd. A large senior class, with a 41-3 record entering this contest, included Joe Washington, Robert Mbroh, Ford Stephenson, Bryce Carlin, Davis Duncan, Jayden Williams, A.J. Sirls, Jr., Miles Perry, Payton Earnest, Landon Lahodny, Omari Smith, and Melvin Swindle.

In addition to the players being honored, three Charger legends were honored for their storied faculty career. Guy A. Bramble, now President of Heritage Hall, served as the Headmaster of the school for 33 years; under his consistent leadership, the school has grown into the top private school in the metro area, state, and region. Rod Warner, former Athletic Director, inherited a fledgling sports program 38 years ago and built it into the championship caliber program we know today. Lastly, the longest tenured Charger legend, Ron Allie has positively impacted countless developing adolescent students during his 43 year tenure as Middle School Division Head.

Following the presentation, the first quarter kicked off and the Hall started very strong. Fans have come to expect a little razzle-dazzle on Senior Night as Head Coach Brett Bogert '05 pulls out all the stops to get the ball in the hands of his senior leaders.

A quartet of stellar seniors secured huge first quarter touchdowns and helped the Chargers takeover the quarter.

Senior tailback Payton Earnest out jumped a defender on a perfectly placed pass in the front corner of the end zone from junior quarterback Will Paque for The Hall's first score of the night.

On the next drive, Melvin Swindle had fans on the edge of their seats when he lined up at quarterback for special play. However, the hulking senior lineman launched a pass over the head of his intended receiver and out of bounds. Then, senior offensive lineman Omari Smith took a misdirection handoff and rumbled 6 yards to add another Charger touchdown to put his team up 14-0.

Following another defensive stop by The Hall, senior receiver Ford Stephenson completed a great pass, taking a reverse handoff and pulling up to drop a bomb to fellow senior wideout Joe Washington. The drive was capped off when senior linebacker A.J. Sirls, Jr., powered the ball on a 15 yard run, stretching the pigskin over the goal line to stretch the lead to 21-0.

On the Rockets' next possession, junior Nick Keith snared an impressive interception, digging the ball along the sideline for the takeaway. The punctuate the ensuing drive and quarter, Jayden Williams steamrolled his way 6 yards to secure another Charger touchdown to end the scoring for the quarter. Heritage Hall was in command, holding a 28-0 lead.

The second quarter action started equally fast for The Hall. Senior linebacker Landon Lahodny capitalized on his rushing attempt, breaking multiple tackles to rack up 22 yards. A couple of plays later, senior athlete Miles Perry made a phenomenal concentration catch at the MSM 2-yard line and then ran for a short touchdown two plays later.

The Chargers completed a two-point conversion pass from holder Lahodny to a wide open Brigham Evans to put the Hall up 36-0.

After Sirls tipped a screen pass, Omari Smith dove to intercept the deflection. The Chargers dominant play continued when Willams trucked his way to another score and a 43-0 Heritage Hall lead. The Hall played very strong in the first half and knew they needed to not let up.

Coming out of halftime, Coach Bogert subsituted a lot of younger players in to get some time on the field. The Mount finally scored their first two touchdowns of the night on some small runs down the side. The Chargers' second team defense seemed to improve and flow to the ball as the game continued.

In the fourth quarter, the Rockets made a kick to make it 43-17, but it was too little and too late.

With all the Senior Night trickery, the Chargers had passes thrown by 6 players. Starting quarterback Will Paque led the way, completing 5 of 7 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. Zavier Freeman saw action in the second half and completed 2 of 4 passes for 21 yards. Julie Ejike-Charles connected on his only pass attempt, a 16 yard completion, as did senior Ford Stephenson, for 27 yards. Jayden Williams and Melvin Swindle each attempted one pass.

Williams led the ground attack, racking up 52 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 6 carries. Senior Miles Perry rushed 5 times for 13 yards and a touchdown. Freshman tailback Bladen Vogel carried 7 times for 16 yards. Seven other Chargers ran the ball at least once.

Season receiving leader Gavin Freeman led the team in yardage with 38 on just one reception. Jack Harris and Payton Earnest each caught two passes, and 5 other Chargers hauled in receptions on the night.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Landon Lahodny led the way with 5 tackles including 3 behind the line of scrimmage. A.J. Sirls, Jr., Robert Mbroh, and K.J. Evans each registered 4 takedowns. Mbroh, Miles Perry, and Mason Georgia recorded a sack apiece. Gavin Freeman, Nick Keith, and Omari Smith each picked off a Luke Wagner pass.

After two straight weeks kicking field goals, Luke Butler connected on all 5 of his extra point attempts and sailed 4 of his 7 kickoffs out of the end zone for touchbacks. Freeman returned a punt 38 yards, and Jaxon Carter returned two kickoffs for 28 yards.

This win was a huge one for The Hall. It made the District title official and gave the Chargers even more confidence in their preparation for the postseason. Their 12 seniors all had a fun night in the spotlight. The senior class will be remembered for their high level of play and leadership, but the focus still remains on the mission to capture another Gold Ball in December.

The Chargers will open the playoffs, hosting the Little Axe Indians. Little Axe finished the regular season 0-9 so the Chargers will hope to dominate on the scoreboard. The game is set to take place at Pop Murray on Friday at 7:00 p.m. The Chargers are looking to continue their winning ways and advance to round two of the expanded OSSAA Class 3A Playoffs.

Go Chargers!!!

Written by Quincy LeNorman '21
Edited by Luke Steelman '93
Photos by Dawn Freeman Photography

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