Chargers exact revenge in rout of John Marshall

The Chargers came into their Week 3 game ranked #3 in Class 3A to face unranked Class 4A opponent John Marshall. After an upsetting loss to the Bears last year, Heritage Hall entered this contest with sweet revenge on their mind.

The Hall came out of the gate with two quick touchdowns, both coming on connections from senior quarterback William Paque and star receiver Gavin Freeman. The tandem was a force to reckon with all night long – the Bears could not find a way to stop these two.

On the defensive side of the ball, junior Orie Walker grabbed an interception on the next drive. However, the Chargers gave possession right back to John Marshall after a rare interception thrown by Paque. The Chargers turned around and snagged another interception, courtesy of junior defensive back Liam Burton, and marched down the field into the red zone to end the first quarter.

Right at the beginning of the second quarter, Freeman scored his third touchdown of the game to up the score to 20-0 in favor of The Hall. After a John Marshall loss on downs, the Chargers marched right back down the field setting up a River Faulkner power rushing touchdown to make the score 28-0. Before the half ended, Coach Bogert's squad got a defensive score from Nick Keith on a fumbled snap to stretch the lead to 35-0.

The Bears opened the second half with the ball, but gave it right back to the Chargers on an interception from Orie Walker – his second one of the game. The Charger defense was on point this game, later giving the John Marshall quarterback his 4th pick of the game. After a slow-paced third quarter, The Hall tacked on a field goal from Luke Butler to make the score 38-0.

Enduring another slow-paced quarter, the Chargers went down the field for a last-minute touchdown from Brigham Evans to score a 44-0 to shut out of the John Marshall Bears. It was the 4th time in their 12 game rivalry, the Chargers shut them out, giving the Chargers a 10-2 record all-time against the Bears.

Paque led the passing attack, completing 10 of 26 passes for 229 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Freeman had a stellar night receiving, hauling in 8 of those passes for 224 yards and both touchdowns. River Faukner ran for 86 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Brigham Evans racked up 63 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries. Freeman also scored a rushing touchdown.

On defense, Cooper Cookson made 15 tackles to lead the way. Three more Chargers registered double-digits in tackles – Zach Fetrow (13), Brigham Evans (11), River Faulkner (11), and Mason Georgia (10). Georgia made 3 sacks, as did Zavier Freeman.

The Chargers got their sweet revenge in the most classy way possible, showing the John Marshall Bears what Charger Pride means. The Chargers remain undefeated as they enter District play against a 1-2 Mcloud Redskins team to end their 4 game home stretch.

Written by Rashaud Smith '24
Photos by Kimberly Richelle

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