Chargers roll Eagles in Midtown Classic
BY JOSH HARDING World Correspondent
Saturday, September 08, 2012
9/08/12 at 5:57 AM
Memorial's defense got the Chargers off to a fast start and they never looked back, beating Edison 41-12 in the 50th Midtown Classic on Friday at LaFortune Stadium.
Edison (1-1) received the ball first and drove to the Memorial (2-0) 2-yard line. The Eagles attempted to fake a field goal, and several Memorial defenders read the play and stuffed Edison short of the goal line.
"That was a key play for our team," Memorial coach Tony Daniels said. "The offense picked up on that and drove down the field but couldn't punch it in."
After turning the ball over on downs, the Memorial defense again made a big play. Cornerback Jalen Smith read Edison's quarterback from the snap and stepped in to intercept a pass in stride and race untouched 38 yards for the score.
"Jalen is a great corner for us," Daniels said. "He picked that one off and had another one he was close to, plus several breakups."
Memorial's defense again got the ball back and the offense started clicking. Quarterback Keith Driver mixed running and passing effectively on Memorial's two first-half touchdown drives.
Driver threw two touchdowns to Jermain Rathod and MykQuan Dean. Driver completed 14 of 22 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 101 yards.
"He worked hard all summer and got the reps he needed," Daniels said. "He has all the leadership and intangible qualities you look for, and he worked extra over the summer, and it really shows."
Memorial's Roy Walker and Rathod each played running back, slot receiver and wide receiver. The duo combined for nine carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns. They also caught seven passes for 140 yards and a score.
"They are dynamic playmakers for us," said Daniels. "They each have so many unique skills that we want to get them both the ball in different ways."
Edison was led by quarterback Akylen Mayfield, who carried 18 times for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also threw for 55 yards.
Mayfield faced constant pressure from a Memorial defensive line led by Novis Cullom and showed great elusiveness and pocket awareness to nearly get Edison back in the game.
Mayfield made the score 27-12 after he scored a 42-yard touchdown run, but the Memorial defense held the Eagles scoreless in the fourth.
MEMORIAL 41, EDISON 12
| Memorial |
0 |
21 |
6 |
14 |
- |
41 |
| Edison |
0 |
0 |
12 |
0 |
- |
12 |
M: Smith 38 interception return (Rathod kick)
M: Rathod 37 pass from Driver (Rathod kick)
M: Dean 30 pass from Driver (Rathod kick)
M: Walker 25 rush
E: Williams 16 interception return (pass failed)
E: Mayfield 42 run (run failed)
M: Rathod 24 run (Willis run)
M: Willis 26 run (kick failed)
|
| Memorial | Edison |
|
First Downs | 21 | 11 |
|
Rushes-Yards | 37-301 | 41-158 |
|
Passing Yards | 193 | 68 |
|
Comp-Att-Int | 14-22-1 | 5-19-1 |
|
Punts-Avg | 0-0 | 3-33.3 |
|
Fumbles-Lost | 4-4 | 1-1 |
|
Penalties-Yards | 6-50 | 9-75 |
Associated Images:
Memorial's KeJuante Austin (23) tries to break a tackle during Friday's game against Edison. JOEY JOHNSON/For the Tulsa World
|
