By Jimmy Thomas
Content Manager, Northern Region
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In a rain-soaked game that was moved from Stuart to Marshall because of the newly installed turf field, the Statesman beat the Raiders, 28-0, on Friday.
The shutout was the first of the year for Marshall, which only allowed 64 yards of total offense.
“We got out here and worked as a unit tonight,” said Marshall senior center Collin Newcomb. “We dropped three games in a row and we decided we needed to win one.”
The Statesman controlled the clock, using a power running game behind senior Brandon McCullen and sophomore Victor Vanegas to rack up 276 yards on the ground. Vanegas totaled 94 yards on 16 carries with a 3-yard touchdown, while McCullen tallied 58 yards on 19 carries with a 1-yard score.
“Our offense controlled the ball, but I am really proud of how our
defense really stepped up and swarmed to the ball tonight,” said Marshall coach J.T. Biddison, whose club doubled Stuart in time-of-possession in the first half. “These guys
have been working so hard in practice.”
Sophomore Omar Lara also scored on a 20-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Marshall senior Aaron Gooding, usually a wide receiver, was forced into playing quarterback because of injuries but was not asked to throw a lot tonight.
When he did, though, he was remarkably efficient.
Gooding completed 5-of-6 passes for 33 yards and hit senior tight end Troy De Lucia for Marshall’s first score from five yards out.
A year ago, the Statesman sat at 2-2 before ripping off five wins in six games to end the regular season and earn a playoff berth. They hope to do the same this season and will square off at home next week against McLean on Homecoming.
“We need to come together as a team and realize we don’t want to lose anymore,” junior linebacker Andrew Embree said.
Stuart will host Mount Vernon next Friday on its Homecoming night as well.
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