Ed White HS- With 2:40 to play in the fourth quarter, Mandarin running-back #30 Jaden Taylor followed the bruising blocks of his offensive line off the left side to score the go ahead touchdown for the Hawks. The score would give them an 18-14 lead over Stilwell, resulting in their first Middle School Championship in school history.
Taylor’s score was Mandarin’s first lead since early in the first quarter when the Hawks went up 6-0 over Stilwell. The touchdown came when quarterback William Griego connected with Jonathan Mitchell for a beautiful touchdown pass and catch. Mitchell would sky for the catch, out leaping the defender to the amazement of the crowd.
Stilwell, winners of the Western division, responded with their own plays and play makers. Running-back Micah Meyer would give defenders nightmares when he carried several to the end-zone on a powerful touchdown run in the second quarter. Stilwell would add a 2-point conversion giving the Patriots a 8-6 lead.
Stilwell began to control the game in the second quarter. Their defense settled in and stuffed the run allowing for their offense to take advantage. Players like #1 Marius Vann who jetted up from his corner position to make tackles in the back field. Also, defensive tackle Zachery Chambers who clogged running lanes and pressured the quarterback. Martinez would contribute on offense as he blazed around the edge with his speed for a second quarter touchdown run. Stilwell would take a 14-6 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Mandarin began ti assert themselves with the run game. Running-backs Johnothan Mitchell, Tiant Wyche, Jaden Tayler and Orlando Fiffer rotated in the back field gaining first downs. Wyche would use his quickness to make defenders miss and get into the end-zone in the 4th. Mandarin still trailed 14-12.
Mandarin’s defense stepped up big, stifling Stilwell’s play-makers. #55 Richard Grooms and #45 Justin Squire knifed in the backfield for big tackles for loss. The defense opened up an opportunity to for the offense to win the game. Mandarin decided to put the ball in the hands of the young an who has just arrived to the school Orlando Fiffer.
Fiffer used his mixture of speed and power to move the chains throughout the game. He had the longest run of the game, a 43-yard scamper to Stilwell’s 6-yard line shifting momentum of the game. Fiffer’s run set up a touchdown by Tiant Wyche to pull Mandarin to within 2- points, 14-12. The run gave Mandarin over 100-yards total of rushing on the night. A testament to the offensive line.
After the go ahead touchdown by Taylor, Stilweel had one more chance to win the game. Their last minute drive stalled near midfield and Mandarin’s #27 Tiant Wyche sealed the win with an interception.
Orlando Fiffer lead Mandarin in rushing and garnered the coveted championship game MVP trophy. It was special for him, playing against the team (Stilwell) that his older brother Orlando Fiffer played for just five years ago. Head Coach John Dye and Mandarin, secured the first middle school football championship for the southern division in Duval County.
