Anchor Down! Bennett Tops Parkside In Thriller!

The James M. Bennett football team heard their critiques loud and clear, and they had something to say back Thursday night. Facing their cross town rival Parkside, the Clippers anchored down and gutted out a 24-21 win. The win improves the Clippers to 5-2 on the year, while the loss drops Parkside to 4-3 on the year.

Parkside would jump out in front early on, grabbing a 13-0 lead before Bennett found their footing. A touchdown and 2 point conversion would get them within 13-8 in the second quarter. Then just before half, they would add another touchdown to take a 14-13 lead into the break.

The game would turn into a defensive battle the third quarter as neither team as able to get their offense going. Then just before the fourth quarter, the Rams would punt the ball and it would get muffed by the Clippers, with A.J. Garris recovering the loose ball for Parkside. Then the Rams would take the lead to open the 4th quarter with a 1 yd TD run by Dajour Church. Tra’jon Branch would then bounce the 2 pt conversion to the outside and take it in to give Pakrside a 21-14. The Clippers came right back though, as Jahryn Long would return the ensuing kickoff 80 yards back t the house. The point after would tie the game with under 10 minutes to play. After a 3 and out by the Rams, the Clippers would start a drive. Facing 3rd and 14, Joey Geary would roll out and pick up 10 yards down to the Rams 21. Bennett would send out Stephen Oscar who would boot a 38 yard go-ahead field goal with under 6 minutes to play.

The Rams then began to march the field looking for the tie. Luke Pitsenbarger would find Luke Gehring for a 15 yard pick up to bring the ball into Clippers territory. But the Rams would fumble the ball on their next play with the Clippers recovering. Bennett would be able to run out the clock and be able to pull out the win.

Parkside returns to work next Saturday when they take on Stephen Decatur, while Bennett host North Caroline next Friday night.