Dialog reporter
WILMINGTON – St. Mark’s used an effective running game to take a 21-14 halftime lead on Oct. 21 against Delaware Military Academy. But the Seahawks made all the necessary adjustments during the intermission, and Corahn Alleyne scored three of his five touchdowns in the second half to lead DMA to a 33-21 win at Baynard Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ defense closed the holes that existed in the first half, shutting down the Spartans’ offense.
It was the second time this season that Alleyne, a speedy junior, had reached the end zone five times in a game. He was very impressive against the Spartans, taking the direct snap from the center a number of times and even recovering a key fumble late in the game to help seal the victory.
DMA took the second-half kickoff trailing by seven and immediately went to work on offense. Alleyne was the workhorse, carrying the ball most of the way down the field. He converted a third-and-five with an eight-yard run, then, a few plays later, tied the game with a 15-yard run off left tackle, getting the final four yards after a nice stiff arm.
The Spartans were pinned deep in their own territory on their next drive after a few untimely penalties. Facing a fourth-and-26 from their own 12, St. Mark’s tried a fake punt. Jelani Bryant nearly ran for a first down, but he was stopped just short, and the Seahawks took over with great field position at the Spartans’ 30.
Alleyne took direct snap for 13 yards on first down. Another resulted in a seven-yard gain. St. Mark’s held him to a two yards on second, but he split the defense for an eight-yard touchdown. After a missed point-after kick, the Seahawks led, 27-21.
Alleyne struck once more in the fourth, taking a direct snap 16 yards around the left end. The two-point conversion was no good, and St. Mark’s was down 12. Alleyne helped ensure they wouldn’t get any closer, recovering a fumble on the ensuing Spartans possession.
The first half was a much different story. The Spartans’ run game was quite effective, getting the team a lead on the opening possession. Matt Dougherty and Bryant both picked up some yards, and Andrew Watkins finished it with a four-yard score. The extra point was blocked.
Alleyne’s first touchdown came next, and the Seahawks had a 7-6 lead. St. Mark’s took the lead right back, as Ian Noonan ran 80 yards on an end-around, and the Spartans took a 14-7 lead after converting for two points.
DMA tied the game on a three-yard scamper by Alleyne. The play was made possible by a 48-yard Alleyne run earlier in the drive. Watkins scored on a five-yard run just before halftime to restore the Spartans’ lead, but that would be erased in the second half.
St. Mark’s, ranked fifth in the state in Division II by 302Sports.com, fell to 5-2 and has to travel to defending state champion Woodbridge next Friday at 7 p.m. The Seahawks, No. 2 in Division II, improved to 6-1. They are back at Baynard next Friday at 7 p.m. against First State Military Academy.
