Episcopal Game

The Mavericks football team came one step closer to SPC glory with their 35-18 victory over Episcopal on Oct. 6. The team emerged clad in alternate red jerseys created specifically for the rivalry game against Episcopal. The bright red jerseys included the players names on the backs, which created excitement amongst the players and fans. The Maverick offense was led by senior quarterback Chris Gow, who also led the team in touchdowns and all-purpose yardage. Gow threw for 78 yards and a touchdown, and picked up 129 yards on the ground. Senior running back Dan Tweardy rushed for 64 yards, adding to his season total of 678 yards. Junior Nathan Avery had his best game of the season with 103 yards and two touchdowns. The Mavericks got on the board first thanks to a two yard run by Gow, capping off a five minute, 13 play drive. The Mavs did not have to wait long before they got the ball back. On the opening play of Episcopal's drive, junior QB Austin Robinson was intercepted by junior safety Ben Griffin. The Mavericks were unable to capitalize on the turnover, and Episcopal scored with a field goal, making the score 7-3. Gow led off the next drive with a 15 yard dash that was followed by a 19 yard pick up by Tweardy. Coming after an Episcopal timeout, the Mavericks gave the ball to Avery who punched it in for a score, the first of his two for the game. A sack by senior defensive end Jack Craddock and two errant passes by Robinson prevented the Knights from scoring again before half time, giving SJS a 14-3 lead going into the locker room. The Mavs came into the second half showing the same momentum they began the game with. Gow came out passing and connected on passes to Avery and Tweardy. Coupled with Tweardy's 28 yard run, the Mavericks entered Episcopal territory. Gow found senior wide receiver Douglas Berkman for a 32 yard touchdown pass. For the first time of the game, the Knights responded with a touchdown. Robinson threw three times to set up a nine yard scramble into the endzone, putting the score at 21-10, with Episcopal knocking on the door. The Mavericks were shut down on three plays and were forced to punt, giving the Knights great field position. The Knights were uanble to caitalize on the opportunity and gave the Mavericks the ball back. Gow opened up the drive with two consecutive rushes that brought the offense to midfield. After two short runs by Avery, Gow's number ws called again and he ran the ball 48 yards into the endzone. Tweardy converted his fourth extra point of the evening, giving the Mavericks an 18 point lead. After two quick passes and a long run by Robinson, the Knights hurt themselves with two consecutive penalties. After a sack by Craddock and an incompletion by Robinson, the ball was returned to the Mavericks. Aided in part by a crucial face mask penalty, the Mavericks drove down Skip Lee Field in less than two minutes, culminating in a Tweardy touchdown. Tweardy, performing double duty all night, added the subsequent extra point, bringing the score to 35-10. A late touchdown by the Knights was not enough of a comeback. The Mavericks defeated Episcopal for the second consecutive year (last year the score was 28-0), and improved the Mavericks to 5-2 on the season, 3-0 in conference games.

                                                                                                                                                 By Braden Doyle