A bye week on the way, the Herndon Hornets appear healthy and peaking as their near certain playoff run begins. Improving to 7-2 and winners of three in a row Herndon Head Coach William Bachman was proud of his team’s response “They’re resilient, its all about accountability, that’s what we have done for three weeks” Coach Bachman replied. Herndon defeated the George C. Marshall Statesmen 29-7.
Marshall came into this game looking to strengthen their playoff spot and marched right down the field on their opening drive. A 12 play 67-yard drive was capped off by an Ethan Lebkisher power touchdown run (7-0). Herndon came right back and near the end of the first quarter tied this game back up as Senior running back Ethan Buhler punched his way in from the 2 (7-7).
The Hornets tightened down defensively from their on out, forcing a three an out on the next series. Just when Herndon seemed to have momentum, a high snap, acrobatic punt and fumbled punt return, Marshall miraculously had the ball back at their own 48. Coach Bachman’s defense responded and forced a fumble recovered a few plays later.
Buhler’s second touchdown of the night gave the Hornets their first lead at 13-7. On the extra point try Division 1 prospect Brayden Humpherys made perhaps the play of the night. Picking up a botched snap he torpedoed his way for a successful two point try and Herndon went into halftime with a 15-7 margin.
Senior Quarterback Johnny Callow had a good evening and threw a dart to Malcolm Levenberry for a 55-yard touchdown pass (22-7). Humpherys and the defense stuffed Marshall on a 4th down hook and ladder play right near their Redzone. Just over 5 minutes to play John Costello put this contest to rest with a 35-yard touchdown dash and Herndon had their win all set.
After Marshall scored on their opening drive Herndon’s top ranked defense kept the Statesmen out the endzone the rest of the night. They are in good shape for a high playoff seed with one regular season game left. Talking with Humpherys after the game he is confident in his team’s chances “Watch out, Herndon’s coming”.
He may be right; the Hornets have a bye week and will take on the Yorktown Patriots in two weeks. Marshall will make a trip to face Yorktown this Friday in a contest that should have major playoff implications.
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