The first meeting between Manchester Academy and St. Joseph was one of the most exciting games in school history as the Mavericks pulled off an overtime victory to earn the conference title.
St. Joseph looked like a different team in the rematch, however, as the Fighting Irish used their explosive speed and strong defense to defeat the Mavericks 35-0 in the second round of the playoffs Friday.
The loss wraps up the season for one of the most talented Mavericks teams in recent memory. The Mavericks finished the season with a 9-3 record and a perfect conference record that included overtime wins over St. Joseph and Tri-County, two teams that continue to advance in the playoffs.
St. Joseph managed to contain MA’s strong running attack, which was the key to success for the Mavericks in the first meeting between the two teams. A missed field goal attempt in the first half was the closest Manchester came to getting on the board.
Blayke Dendy led the Mavericks offense with 14 carries for 52 yards and one reception for seven yards.
Warner Griffin added six carries for 24 yards, Bob Black had five carries for 19 yards, and Will Fouche had four carries for 18 yards.
Rainer Roberts had a catch for 15 yards, and Link Greenlee had one reception for 11 yards.
Mavericks quarterback Upton Hitt completed 4-of-13 passes for 65 yards, but the speedy Fighting Irish defensive backs came up with two interceptions.
On defense Will Fouche had five tackles and an assist, and Warner Griffin had three tackles, five assists and a sack.
Rainer Roberts had five tackles.
Hayes Bardwell had four tackles and a sack.
Blayke Dendy had four tackles and four assists.
Taylor Porter had two tackles and four assists.
Nick Cohea, Bob Black, Hunter Sadler and Ty Kilpatrick each had two tackles.
St. Joseph will face Centreville Academy this week in the third round of the playoffs. Centreville defeated Brookhaven Academy 52-33 last week.
