Varsity Football Defeats St. Johns 34-22

The George School varsity football team defeated St John’s Catholic Prep (MD) 34-22 in the team’s  final game on Saturday November 2,2019.

The game started slow with the two teams getting a feel for one another before St John’s opened the scoring on a blocked punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter. Minutes later, St John’s finished a drive with a quarterback sneak to take a 14-0 lead at halftime.

The Cougars began roaring back to start the second half, driving 53 yards in just three plays, led by Tommy Salako ’21 whose forty four yard rush to the St John’s second yard line. The Cougars drive was capped off on the next play by quarterback Bennett Lichstein ’20 lunging forward behind center Billy O’Connor ’22 and guard Dylan Smith ’22. Tommy converted the two point conversion, cutting the deficit to 14-6.

Just three plays later, linebacker Brandon Enarusai ’23 intercepted a St John’s pass and returned it forty seven yards for a touchdown to tie the game. Tommy added another two points, beating St John’s defenders to the corner to take the lead 16-14.

Momentum swung into the Cougars’ favor as they quickly stopped St John’s after a sack by Tommy and Dylan. The Cougars took the ball over at their own 36 yard line. After a two yard loss, Bennett connected with fullback Angelo Leon ’21 on a play-action pass for a sixty six yard touchdown reception to increase the Cougars lead to 22-14. Tommy took over the game on offense, adding two more scores on forty six and sixteen yard touchdown runs to pull away from St John’s 34-14.

St John’s would add one more score to bring the game to 34-22, but not before senior Will Rampe ’23 broke through to sack the quarterback for a five-yard loss. Bennett later sealed the win with a late interception.  Cesar, Vee, Will, and Bennett celebrated their final high school game with a victory.

Top Performers: Thomas Salako, 12 carries for 159 yards, two touchdowns, and a sack. Bennett Lichstein, 11 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown, 2 completions for 86 yards and a touchdown, and 1 interception. Angelo Leon, 66 yards receiving and a touchdown. Brandon Enarusai, interception return for a touchdown.