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High School Football:
Woodrow Wilson Shuts Down Rancocas Valley To Remain Undefeated

Saturday, October 6, 2001

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

The rain gear was the fashion being wore this day as the fans were walking into Mike Rozier Stadium Saturday morning. With wind sweep rain and cool temperatures, this football game between Woodrow Wilson and Rancocas Valley had all the makings of who could run the ball. Both of these teams were undefeated and each wanted to continue their winning ways. On this day, the Tigers of Woodrow Wilson rolled to their four win of the season as they dominated both sides of the field in their 28-2 home victory.

Entering the stadium, the question of would we see both teams keep the ball on the ground. One fan responded, "I don't know about Valley, but Wilson won't change a thing. They will continue run that Florida State offense and worked their passing game". Well the fans for Wilson were ready for the challenge and the enthusiasm grew when the Tiger Marching Band entered the stadium in their rain gear.

On their first possession of the game, it was the Red Devils opening the passing game and moving the ball down the field. Junior quarterback Dan Dudley completed a 60-yard pass to senior wide receiver Jamar Coleman to the Tigers' 25-yard line. Rancocas Valley could not take advantage of their good field position and were forced to kick a field. Kicker Jon Abbott's attempt never made it through the strong wind.

Coach Mike McBride had his offense operating as if it was a clear sunny day. Starting senior quarterback Jamil Tyson also opened the game with a pass. The Tigers used their first quarter wisely as they used wind at their backs to score the game's first touchdown. On their last series of the quarter, a key pass interference call in the endzone gave the Tigers one last chance to take advantage of the wind. Senior running back Ted Lockhart surprised everyone as he took the handoff from Tyson and ran it in for the 10-yard touchdown.

The Tigers were not satisfied with a 6-0 lead as the defense got into the scoring act. Defensive back Maurice Taylor picked off a pass at his own 46-yard line and started his run back. Using his blocks well and tip-toeing down the left side line, Taylor give Woodrow Wilson their second touchdown of the game with 8:22 remaining in the half. Tyson converted the two-point pass attempt to Turk McBride and the Tigers were ahead 14-0 going into the locker room.

Wilson dominated the game defensively, keeping the Red Devils offense confused and unable to move the ball. Rancocas Valley would take advantage of a bad snap on a punt for a safety, but Tyson highlighted the second half by completing his second touchdown pass to McBride for a 9-yard strike. Taylor completed the scoring drive with the two-point conversion reception. Defensive back Jamil Tyson intercepted a pass to set up his third touchdown pass. With Tyson now lining up the offense, Preston Brown caught a touchdown pass and completed the scoring in this game. The Tigers marched off the field proud of the way they played this game.

Photos by Art Redd

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