Harding Academy overcame first game jitters and Marlon Brown massed 160 all-purpose yards as the Lions defeated St. Benedict 21-9 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
After the opening kick, Harding got off to an auspicious start, fumbling on the game’s first play that lead to a St. Benedict field goal and an early 3-0 lead. On the ensuing kick off, Harding’s Drew Chick dashed through the heart of the Eagles kick off coverage and ran 75 yards to give the Lions a 7-3 lead.
After shutting down the Eagles on the next possession, Harding took over on their 40. The Lions put together a nice drive and were faced with a fourth and one from the St. Benedict 34.
Brown caught a skinny slant from Harding QB Phillip Branch, broke a tackle, reversed field and raced 34 yards down the sideline to give Harding a 14-3 lead.
Harding had two big plays negated as a result of penalties during the first half. Brown returned an interception 40 yards but it was called back due to roughing the passer. In the second quarter, Brown caught a short pass and ran 45 yards for an apparent TD, but that play was called back due to a holding penalty.
Late in the second quarter, Branch handed off to Brown on a reverse and he scored from 44 yards out, giving the Lions a 21-3 with 2:38 remaining before halftime. Brown also had a 43-yard gain on a reverse in the third quarter.
The game was mired by numerous penalties and mental mistakes. On an incredibly humid night there were several fumbles, bad snaps, dropped passes and players literally running into each other. Harding utilized a strong running game and a stingy defense to limit St. Benedict the entire game.
There were also two incidents where St. Benedict players took cheap shots at Brown. Considering the attention he’s received nationally, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see more of that as the season progresses.
Harding travels to Nashville next week to take on Donnelson Academy (0-1). The Wildcats fell to Westmoreland Friday night, 30-27.
