Defense rises as Marlins earn a road triumph

Bayside High got downright defensive Friday night.

The Marlins used four second-half interceptions to turn the game around and beat host Landstown 27-12.

“We’ve had some upperclassman leaders who have been making splash plays and other guys have been following suit,” said Bayside coach Jon White.

And the Marlins (3-1) needed it.

They led 14-6 at the half, but saw their lead challenged when Landstown’s AJ Hoggard returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-12. Bayside took the next possession down to the Landstown 16, but came away with no points. That’s when the defense rose to the challenge.

“(Ronta) Dickerson started it off with an interception,” White said. “And the defense rallied behind him.”

His interception of Landstown quarterback Dwight McMasters gave Bayside the ball on the Eagles’ 30.

Three plays later, Bayside quarterback Aeron Williams threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Tajon Reese. It was their second time hooking up as they also connected on a 62-yard touchdown in the first half.

Moments later, linebacker Damien Rodriguez-Kirkland stepped in front of McMasters’ pass inside the Landstown 10 and returned it for a touchdown.

Just like that, the Marlins led 27-12.

They never looked back as Jermain Smith added two more interceptions and linemen Lemar Law, Thurland White and linebacker Devin Jones limited the Eagles to less than 10 yards rushing and just 57 yards passing.

“We did some good things,” White said. “I’m really proud of these guys.”

The win puts the Marlins into the postseason conversation.

“Yeah, we can talk about the playoffs ... but we’re getting ready for the next one,” said White, whose team faces Princess Anne and Tallwood. “We won’t put too much on our head because we’ve done that before in the past and it bit us. We’re focused on what we can control right now.”