Westside- The Ed White Commanders defeated the Suwannee Bulldogs 40-24 Friday night. Ed White improved to 2-0 on the season, while Suwannee fell to 2-1. White was impacted by Covid protocol two weeks ago as the entire school transitioned to online learning for a week. This meant that their week 2 game against Westside would be cancelled. The Commanders were caught in a tough position the very next week as they’re bye week was scheduled for week 3, so the team was unable to play. Finally, they were able to take the field this past Friday, and their anticipation resulted in an artillery weapons being released against the Bulldogs of Suwannee.
One of the biggest weapons was Christian Ellis who ran for 209 yards and a rushing touchdown on just 24 carries.. Averaging 8.5 yards per carry, Ellis ran through, over and around Suwannee on the evening. This 40-yard scamper in the first quarter set the tone for the Commander rushing game on the evening.
Ed White ran for 344 yards on the ground, and running back Jaquan Wiggins accounted for 119 of those yards with to touchdowns of his own. Lightning quick, and experienced, Wiggins is the perfect change of pace that will throw defenses off. Suwannee found themselves in disarray trying to find answers to the White rushing attack.
Another crucial part of the Ed White artillery was quarterback Isiah Teal. Teal showed confidence and poise leading his offense down the field, tossing a touchdown and running for another. He would take a shot down field and connect with wide receiver Xavier Baldwin for a touchdown. Baldwin (77 yds receiving) has been a dynamic playmaker for White, stepping up in big ways. Sixty of Teal’s one-hundred thirty seven passing yards came from that long play.
Ed White’s defense has generated several turnovers resulting in points for the offense in their two games, and that was the case early on against Suwannee. A fumble recovery by Christian Ellis set up shop for the Commander offense in the first quarter. They would recover 4 fumbles in the game (Drequwan Washington, Dawian Mobley).
Linebacker Malcom Wilson registered a sack in the game, as well as defensive tackle JaQuan Stepherson. The pressure along with the wet field forced Suwannee into several mistakes.
Leading 28-10 in the 2nd quarter, Malik “showtime” Phelps as they affectionately call him, made a “showtime” play as he stripped the ball from the Suwannee ball carrier. The ball was then scooped up by freshman defensive back Josh Patterson who returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. Patterson has an interception, forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in two games for Ed White. It’s almost incredible to believe that this young man was playing middle school football last year.
Trailing 34-10 before halftime, Suwannee showed tremendous heart scoring on consecutive drives to bring the score to 34-24 at halftime. Bishop Robinson scored on a touchdown run, while D.J Coleman scored on a touchdown reception. Coleman scored twice from the air in the game.
Suwannee found success in the ground game, as playmaker Malichai Graham ran hard and made plays for the Bulldogs. Graham led them in rushing and nearly passing as a halfback pass that he executed went for Suwannee’s first touchdown of the game.
In the end, Ed White would control the clock the entire third quarter, and sealed the victory on the ground and on defense. Fittingly, it was Josh Patterson getting an interception as Ed White got their first district win of the season.
White faces First Coast (0-4) this Friday, while Suwannee take on Bradford (1-3)
Photo Gallery: Suwannee vs Ed White
