Appoquinimink football Jahsiear Rogers runs past a Saint Mark defender. Photo by Ben Fulton

Appoquinimink moves to 6-0, dominating Saint Mark’s 49-0

Glenn FrazerHeadlines, Sports

Appoquinimink football Jahsiear Rogers runs past a Saint Mark defender. Photo by Ben Fulton

Appoquinimink football Jahsiear Rogers runs past a Saint Mark defender. Photo by Ben Fulton

“The end zone is my friend,” said Appoqunimink’s Jahsiear Rogers after his game on Friday night.

That was the case for many of his fellow receivers as the Jaguars took control in the first half and beat Saint Mark’s 49-0 on a cool, crisp autumn evening in Middletown.

The Jags scored on their second play from scrimmage when Quarterback Desai Drummond passed to Rogers in the flat before Rogers took the screen pass down the sidelines 80 yards for the touchdown, thanks to lead blocks from Dominic Montebell and Dillon Griffith. Rogers would catch three passes on the night for 132 yards and two scores.  

All-State Safety Dillon Griffith was declared 100% healthy by coach Brian Timpson before the game. Griffith, who started last season at wideout, caught one pass for a 39-yard score, Noah Hoff was wide open for a 49-yard touchdown, and Dominic Montebell tallied the final score on a 62-yard play. Rogers added a 45-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. Asked about preparation for next week’s game against Salesianum, he said, “We’re laying bricks. Brick-by-brick, we’re getting after it. We’re 6-0, and we hope to be 7-0.”

Drummond was incredibly efficient, completing seven of his eight attempts—five for touchdowns—and nearly 300 yards. He has now passed for 1,241 yards and 20 touchdowns for the season.

Appo received more good news as Reggie Lea was declared eligible following his hearing with the DIAA on Wednesday. After the opening game against Odessa, the DIAA denied Lea’s temporary transfer, and he had not played since. He was used sparingly Friday night, gaining five yards on two carries. Appo managed just 53 yards rushing on 16 carries, but the passing attack more than made up for the lack of a ground game.

Coach Timpson’s defense was lights out, constantly disrupting plays in the Spartan backfield. All-state Linebacker Omari Coefield blocked a punt (his third of the year) for a touchdown. It marked the second time Coefield blocked a kick for a score this season. He explained, “I look for the angle and run track. The angle plus my [speed] allowed me to get in there.”

Saint Mark’s lost both starting quarterback James Campbell and running back Eli Burke to injuries in the loss to Cape Henlopen last week. Both are expected to return at some point this season. The Spartans struggled offensively, gaining less than 20 total yards. Coefield credited his teammates, “My counterpart Micah Jones and I work together. We communicate and work hard in practice.”  

Appo held a 42-0 advantage at the half, so coach Timpson and Spartan head coach Joe Wright agreed on eight-minute quarters and a running clock in the second half. 

The loss dropped the Spartans to 3-3 on the season and 1-1 in district play. Appo is off to the best start in program history at 6-0 (2-0 in District 1). The Jags are traveling to Abessinio next week for a Friday night game with Salesianum. Saint Mark’s faces Hodgson at Caravel next Saturday.

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