Parkside starts strong, holds off Kent Island rally

SALISBURY, Md. – After a dominant first half, Parkside needed a last-minute interception to hold on to a 21-13 win against Kent Island.

Alijah Bivans got Parkside on the board early with a 5-yard run midway through the first.

Parkside did most of the damage on the ground. Devian White broke free for a 33-yard score on a counter run on 3rd-and-9 early in the second.

Kent Island drove into the red zone on their next drive, but it would end on an interception by Parkside’s Devion Fooks on fourth down.

The Rams capitalized with just over a minute left in the half. Quarterback Makai Smiley had receiver Rashir Evans in his crosshairs when he launched a rainbow pass. Evans wrestled the ball from Buccaneer defensive back Skeans Chaney for an incredible catch. The 34-yard touchdown pushed the Ram lead to 21 at halftime.

Kent Island stole the momentum coming out of half.

The Bucs run game seemingly could not be stopped by Parkside, as they drove down the field, culminating in a 10-yard score by Ke’Juan Johnson.

Kent Island’s Isaiah Shockley’s short plunge into the end zone cut the lead further, to just eight points with just under four minutes remaining.

Needing a stop, Colin Langreich brought Smiley to the ground on third-and-long, resulting in a three-and-out.

As a result of the play, Smiley suffered a leg injury and remained on the field. He did not return to the game.

Kent Island drove into Parkside territory on their final possession, but an interception by Evans on fourth down would end the Bucs hopes for a comeback.

Parkside (6-1) will travel to Berlin to play Decatur next Friday at 6 PM. Kent Island (5-2) will return home and host North Caroline next Friday at 7 PM.