By Brody Bryan and Chris Bergeron, Sports Reporters
Herndon’s Varsity Football Team took the field to play their third game of the season against the South Lakes Seahawks last Tuesday night, 9/21. Despite the game being rescheduled to a Tuesday, fans from both schools still made it a priority to pack the bleachers and watch another chapter of a long-standing rivalry unfold.
The game started off electric, with two long rushing touchdowns for both sides to put the score at 7-7. Even though both teams had threatened to score, the first quarter ended even at 7-7. A minute into the second quarter, South Lakes running back Anthony Giordano ran into the endzone for a 27 yard touchdown, sending South Lakes to a 14-7 lead. Herndon took advantage of a short field after the South Lakes touchdown by recovering an onside kick. The drive was finished off with a two yard rush by quarterback Liam Willson, and the score was even again at 14-14. The Seahawks were
quick to respond, as running back Alan Walker took a long run down to the Hornets 15 yard line. South Lakes went on to score on Anthony Giordano’s second touchdown of the night, this time a three yard run to put the Seahawks up 21-14. The Seahawks went on to double the lead with a 74 yard touchdown pass to Lewis Prempeh, making it 28-14.
Herndon was able to get in one last score right before halftime with a quick possession, finishing off with a six yard touchdown pass from quarterback Liam Willson to senior captain Jake Xeller. As the game hit halftime, the score was 28-21 South Lakes. In the start of the second half, both defenses were strong until there were about 5 minutes left in the third quarter with South Lakes getting in the red zone threatening to make it a two possession game, until Herndon was able to force a fumble that was recovered by defensive end Tucker Speak. The South Lakes turnover set up a 95 yard catch and run for a touchdown by Jake Xeller to put the Hornets within one point of a tie game. The Seahawks kept the lead as they were able to block Herndon’s extra point attempt. South Lakes capitalized on the momentum
gained from the block and pulled ahead 35-27 on a 53 yard touchdown pass to Colin Rutland.
Despite an outstanding push towards tying the game, the Seahawks were able to maintain the lead all the way to the end of the fourth quarter. The final score was 49-34 Seahawks.