Tigers Maul Big Red 50-21

It was about time this game did not live up to the hype; it was Ensworth's from the first series.

On MBA's opening drive they were forced to punt on 4th down, and from that point, it just got worse for the Big Red.

The Tigers drove the ball down the field with ease. Orleans Darkwa scored from 10 yards out and Jacob Carter ran in the 2 pt conversion because of a bad snap on the PAT attempt.

MBA was stopped once more and Darkwa took one to the house from 54 yards out. This became the theme for the night. Orleans finished the game with 5 touchdowns and 341 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Before the half the Tigers took advantage of Quinn Hamilton's first interception of the year. With just over 40 seconds left, Cody Tollison found a wide open Daniel McFadden who ran it all the way to the MBA 4 yard line. With just seconds remaining, Tollison threw a jump ball in the end zone, and Carter came down with a remarkable catch even though pass interference was called on MBA. Ensworth missed the 2 point conversion. The score at halftime was 28-7.

Colbert's Season

MBA lost a lot more than just a rivalry game Friday night: they lost their quarterback, Luke Colbert.

Colbert scored MBA's only touchdown of the first half, but he took a hit to the head when he was crossing the goal line.

MBA and Ensworth students both ask to keep Luke and his family in your prayers.

Colbert was replaced by backup quarterback Van East. MBA might try senior wide receiver Holden Mobley at quarterback next week against Independence.

2nd Half

Ensworth scored on their opening drive after a 13 yard touchdown run by Orleans. Soon after, MBA running back Tyler Franks scored from 66 yards out.
Rodney Anderson responded with a touchdown run off of an option pitch from Cody Tollison.

From then on, the Tigers put in the 2nd team and the celebration began in the EHS student section.

The Tigers have an off week since the Tuscola game was canceled, but they will face McCallie on the road the following week.

Around The Web 9/5/09

MBA Streak Will be Tested

Ensworth VS. MBA Preview

It's almost here, the game that everybody has been waiting for since last year's game ended with the score 41-28 EHS. Last year's game was a seesaw battle for momentum after the Tigers got off to a 21-0 start that later dissolved into a 28-27 deficit. Then after, MBA had every bit of momentum, Tavarres Jefferson took it all away with two remarkable touchdown runs that put the Tigers up for good.

Last year's win was the first victory over MBA in Ensworth's second year of competition in Division 2-AA.

Build Up

Last year's matchup was probably one of the most hyped high school football games in Nashville in years. I remember sitting in class days before the game looking out the window and watching the TV truck setting up and bleachers being moved to the end zones. As Friday came closer the talk got louder. One hour before the game all the students from both schools gathered and participated in pre-game rituals that got a bit out of hand: afterwards two MBA students were brought in front of their honor council. During the game the students did not get out of hand since the two sections were roped off to keep the students separated and out of trouble.

DOUBLE O-D

Last year running back Orleans Darkwa had touchdowns from 99 and 80 yards out. The game was probably Darkwa's best ever as an Ensworth Tiger. He will be probably the biggest factor for both teams Friday night.

How to Win

1. Run

2. Run

3. And Run some more! Seriously, though, the running game is crucial to both teams. The ability to get the offensive push from the offensive line will be key in this game. I think Ensworth has the edge on this one with Darkwa getting the touches behind a great offensive line but MBA's senior running back Fitz Lassing ran over Maplewood last week with 145 yards and 2 touchdowns.

4. Momentum- I don't think I need to tell Ensworth or MBA students, fans, or players that this is an emotional game. Neither team can hang their head because both teams are talented enough and so well coached you will get run over physically and on the scoreboard if you are caught out of place or not giving 100%. Just ask Maplewood or Oakland.

5. 4th quarter- This is most likely going to be a full 48 minute game. The team that runs and hits with the same intensity in the 1st quarter as they do in the 4th quarter will have a huge advantage.

Key Players-Ensworth

Both of these teams are loaded with talent. Most people know to keep an eye on Orleans Darkwa, who rushed for almost 2,000 yards last year, but everyone now is watching junior two-way lineman 6'6" 330lb Antonio Richardson. Richardson can take over a game on his own by getting in the backfield every play, and he is considered the best prospect in Tennessee for the class of 2011. Also keep an eye on Clemson commit Sam Cooper, who can be a terror at defensive end but can also catch passes at tight end.

MBA

Luke Colbert has put together two good games so far this year. The game relies much on Colbert's ability to step outside the pocket and find an open William Tanner or Holden Mobely. Fitz Lassing on the offensive end put up big numbers last week against Maplewood as mentioned earlier, but also keep an eye on linebacker prospect Brad Bars who put up great numbers up against Pearl-Cohn.

My Take

This game is going to come down to physicality and overall strength, which should favor Ensworth over MBA. However, I would have said that about the MBA vs Maplewood game last week, and that speaks to MBA's great coaching staff. I think this one will be decided in the 4th quarter, and with Ensworth's downhill crash and bang style of play on both sides of the ball, I have to give it to them. 42-30 EHS.
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