Straughn stays perfect with win over Bayside

Published 1:40 am Saturday, September 20, 2008

The Straughn Tigers hosted their third region game against Bayside Academy Friday night, winning 40-20 and remaining undefeated for the season.

The Tigers’ leading rusher, Andrew Stokes, finished with 17 carries for 147 yards. Quarterback Ryne Taylor added seven carries for 40 yards and a touchdown and Eric Samuel added 10 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

“I am proud to be 4-0,” Straughn coach Trent Taylor said. “Our guys have worked really hard.”

Taylor finished 13-of-23 passing for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The leading receiver was Jakim Felton, who finished with six catches for 70 yards. Trae Bowen and Nick Allen each had one touchdown reception.

With 2:06 left to go in the first quarter, Taylor scampered for an 18-yard touchdown and Josh Dewrell added the extra point.

Eric Samuel added a 4-yard touchdown with 7:22 left in the second quarter, and the Tigers added one more touchdown to go up 21-0 heading into halftime.

“Our defense played well, even though Bayside’s Wing-T offense was frustrating for them,” Taylor said of his team’s play in the first half.

At the start of the third quarter, Bayside fumbled and Riley Watson picked up the ball and scored from 16 yards out to put Straughn up by four touchdowns. Bayside added touchdowns on its next two possessions to cut the Tigers’ lead to 34-14.

Straughn answered back when Ryne Taylor connected with Trae Bowen from 8 yards out with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter Straughn and Bayside traded touchdowns to end the game.

Straughn will host non-region opponent Opp next week at 7 p.m.