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(News update) McDonough fall short in 2A South semis
Gwynn Park escapes with close win over Rams
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009
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Posted at 9:24 a.m. Tuesday
BRANDYWINE - Top-seeded Gwynn Park from Prince George's County was able to hold off a 19-point rally from fourth-seeded McDonough and come out with a 28-25 win Monday afternoon in the Class 2A South region semifinals.
Gwynn Park (11-0 overall) advances to the regional championship game versus third-seeded Douglass, also of Prince George's County.
Gwynn Park's defense forced four McDonough turnovers and keyed the team in the win.
"If it comes down to the wire, I will put this team up against anybody," said Gwynn Park head coach Danny Hayes. "My credit goes to McDonough. Those guys clawed back into the game and gave the fans what they wanted."
On offense, Gwynn Park was led by senior quarterback Mark Lucas, who threw for 201 yards through the air and completed 10 of 18 passes and three touchdowns, which were all to senior wide receiver Curtis Hardy. Hardy had all three of scores in the first half to help set the tone for the Yellow Jackets victory.
"The defense really stepped it up today," Hayes said. "Our offensive line blocked really well at the start, but fatigue started setting in, but we pulled it out and I'm glad to get the win."
With Gwynn Park on top 28-9 through three quarters, McDonough responded with a 50-yard score from quarterback Byron Campbell and a fumble recovery in the end zone by Devonte Gray to cut the deficit to three points with 5 minutes 8 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
On McDonough's last possession, it failed to convert on a fourth down and 12 from its own 40-yard line.
"We made some mistakes," McDonough head coach Luke Ethington said. "We also capitalized on their mistakes and at the end of the day all you want to do is give yourself a chance."
McDonough took an early 9-0 lead in the first quarter on Keith's McCauley's sack of Lucas in the end zone which rewarded his team a safety. Then, Campbell hooked up with senior Devonte Stamps (2 catches, 23 yards) for an 11-yard score.
On the ensuing possession, Lucas would hook up with Hardy for a 40-yard touchdown with 2:24 left in the first quarter and later the two would add a 47-yard score as time expired in the period.
Hardy connected with Lucas for his third score on a 20-yard touchdown late in the second to give Gwynn Park a 21-9 halftime lead.
The Rams finished 7-4 on the season.
