Brunswick coasts past Kent
Behind several big offensive plays and another superb defensive showing the Brunswick School football team kept its perfect season going on Saturday.
Seizing a 21-point firsthalf lead, the Bruins coasted to a 29-7 win over host Kent School in an Erickson League matchup. The victory upped Brunswick’s record to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Erickson League play.
The Bruins scored early and often, enabling them to control the majority of the first half. Junior running back Jalen Madison put the Bruins on the scoreboard first, reaching the end zone on a run of more than 20 yards in the first quarter, giving Brunswick a 7-0 lead.
Junior quarterback Nick Winegardner scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown run in the opening quarter, putting the Bruins in front, 14-0.
The visitors went ahead by three scores when senior wide receiver Cornelius Johnson scored took a handoff on a reverse and dashed more than 30 yard for a touchdown, making it 21-0 early in the second quarter.
“We actually had a sloppy start to the game,” Bruins coach Jarrett Shine said. “We wanted to get off to a fast start, but we allowed them to gain confidence, because we didn’t start as quickly as we wanted to. But big plays helped us score — Jalen had some big runs for us.”
Kent (0-4) closed to within 21-7 when its quarterback scored on a 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Leading 27-7 at halftime, Brunswick extended its lead, courtesy of Madison. Madison took Winegardner’s handoff and broke loose for a touchdown run of more than 40 yards, giving Brunswick a 27-7 advantage late in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, junior defensive lineman Howard Powell sacked the Lions’ quarterback for a safety, putting Kent in a 29-7 hole. Brunswick junior defensive back Liam Fairback had his weekly interception. Fairback picked off Kent’s quarterback in the second half, giving him a team-high six interceptions in only four games. Several Bruins drives were halted by turnovers, as they committed three turnovers (three interceptions). Through four games, Brunswick has allowed only 38 points.
“Our defense as a whole played well,” Shine said. “Everyone contributed to the win and made plays.”
Up next for Brunswick is a Homecoming Day game against Erickson League rival Taft School.
“We need to have a good week of practice to prepare to play for Taft, which is a very good football team,” Shine said. “Our guys are excited for our Homecoming game.”