Gage Park coach Algis Hermanas told his players not to absorb any negativity about his teams’ chances in the its Public Playoff opener against No. 8 seed Marshall, even if the Owls were the 21st seed.
Hermanas’ message got through loud and clear as Gage Park (7-2) rolled past the Commandos at Rockne Stadium 25-0.
“I didn’t know much about Marshall,” Hermanas said. “But I heard we were supposed to get our butts whipped.”
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Gage Park led 16-0 at the half on a Jermaine Smith touchdown run and a Chris Virgini TD reception. The Owl defense forced two second-half turnovers, both leading to scores.
After a Darryl Starling sack for a safety, Richard Neal returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown. Neal then forced a second fumble that led to an Owls field goal.
“We told our players `do not be afraid of anybody,’ ” Hermanas said. “I just wanted them to go out and hit, and the defense did that. I like to see the defense get safeties and make things happen.”
Harper 28, Sullivan 6: Eduardo Hicks rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns, and Harper’s defense held off Sullivan twice inside its own 20-yard line in the second half as the 17th-seeded Cardinals (7-2) prevailed over the Tigers, who were seeded 12th.
“It was a big key for us was to keep Sullivan from reaching the end zone on those drives,” Harper coach Terry Lewis said. Sullivan finished 6-3.
Dunbar 48, Curie 8: Ron Battles rushed for 200 yards and four touchdowns for Dunbar (7-2). Curie finished 2-7.
Phillips 52, Amundsen 12: Andre Whitehead had 138 yards rushing, Dominque Hicks 125 and Willie Lindsey 117 and each scored twice for Phillips (6-3). Amundsen ends it season 5-4.
Robeson 48, Crane 0: Steven Hawthorn rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns and Kenneth Kendricks added a 31-yard interception for another score for the Raiders (8-1). Crane finished 4-5.
Simeon 42, Prosser 0: Oscar Scott rushed for 189 yards and Dana Spraggs threw for 163 yards and one touchdown for Simeon (7-2) as five players scored for the Wolverines. Prosser finished 4-5.