Football Recap: Week 2

by Aiden Sheffler

1st Quarter

Riverside started with the ball but quickly fumbled, giving the Spartans possession. That turnover set up a Kolton Carlson touchdown. For most of the quarter, neither team scored again until about 2 minutes remained. Late in the first, Carlson broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run, followed by a Mya Jarrett extra point, putting the Spartans up 14-0 at the end of the quarter.

2nd Quarter

The second quarter opened with Riverside throwing an interception to Brayden Faulkner, setting Laurel up around midfield. The Spartans kept the ball on the ground with a steady drive that ended in a 3-yard Nathan Hill touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0. On Riverside’s next drive, another interception—this time to JJ McBride—gave Laurel the ball again. A 19-yard pass from Luca Santini to Carlson set the Spartans up at the 1-yard line, and McBride punched it in for another score, making it 28-0 with 2:29 left in the half.

On Riverside’s next possession, a botched handoff led to another turnover, but Laurel couldn’t capitalize and had to punt for the first time all game. However, thanks to a great punt by Carlson, the Spartans forced a safety to go up 30-0. On the ensuing kickoff, Carlson had a strong return that set up another quick touchdown. Jarrett’s extra point made it 37-0 heading into halftime.

3rd Quarter

Laurel began the second half with most of its backups in the game. The Spartans focused on running the ball, controlling the clock with jet sweeps and simple plays while mixing in a few penalties along the way. Neither team scored in the quarter, as Laurel simply ran down the clock.

4th Quarter

Early in the fourth, Laurel connected on a big 45-yard pass to Tony Geiwitz. Just a few plays later, Geiwitz made another huge catch for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 43-0. Riverside responded with its best drive of the night but stalled out, turning the ball back over to Laurel. From there, the Spartans ran out the clock to secure a dominant 43-0 victory.

Key Stats

Passing: Luca Santini – 6/11, 106 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Nathan Hill – 14 car, 66 yds, 1 TD
Receiving: Kolton Carlson – 5 rec, 86 yds, 2 TD
Defense: Alex Medved – 3 sacks, 1 solo tackle, 2 assists, 2 tackles for loss