Webb takes control early versus ECS
KNOXVILLE — Webb School of Knoxville started its march towards a Division II-AA football championship with a resounding 34-7 victory over Evangelical Christian School of Memphis Friday, Nov. 3, at home in David Meske Stadium.
In the 12th meeting between the schools, Webb now leads the series 8-4.
The combination of a strong Webb defense, which included a season-high five interceptions, and the running of senior Jalen Hill and the passing of senior quarterback Jack Wagner proved to be too much for ECS.
“I am very proud of our defense — big night (with) five interceptions,” Spartans head coach Don Mahoney said. “But it’s not only the secondary that creates the interceptions, it’s our upfront defense and linebackers that create the pressure and cause the interceptions.
“ECS is a well-respected team,” Mahoney added. “This game tells a lot about who we are as a team. Jalen Hill was terrific, as was our quarterback.”
The offense, led by four Wagner touchdown passes, included a 76-yard bomb to sophomore wide receiver Gregory Tate III and three TD passes to Markeis Barrett.
However, it was the defense, led by seniors Cameron Cooper and Harvey Niendorff, and a host of other defenders, that kept giving the offense great field position.
Webb opened the scoring with just 38 seconds to go in the first quarter on a 2-yard pass from Wagner to Barrett. The drive was set up after an interception by Cameron, who seemed to be all over the field on defense, at the ECS 46. After Hill’s running and other Barrett receptions, Webb led 7-0 after one quarter.
After trading three-and-outs, Webb’s defense again held ECS on fourth-and-short at the Webb 15. Following Hill’s 9-yard run, Wagner hit Tate on the 76-yard pass, making the score 14-0, which was the way the half ended.
The second half began with a Wagner touchdown pass called back due to offensive holding. ECS then ripped off a 65-yard TD run by Max Stegall.
Webb countered, and at the 6:05 mark Hill ran 6 yards for a touchdown. After Clay Fultz’s third extra point, it was 21-7.
A Tate interception again had Webb in excellent field position. After Hill ran for 23 yards, Wagner again found Barrett, this time for a 20-yard touchdown reception, making the score 28-7.
In the final quarter, Niendorff intercepted ECS, his second of the game. After a beautiful 35-yard pass from Wagner to Baxter Johnson, Webb again found the end zone.
“They make my life easy,” Wagner said about his receivers “... They are always where I need them to be. ...”
Webb travels to 10-1 Franklin Road Academy, No. 2 seed in the Middle Region, Friday, Nov. 10. Opening kickoff is 8 p.m., EST, 7 p.m. CST.
