By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — East’s Eagles gathered around Ervin Wiggins in the end zone to celebrate the senior defensive back’s interception and return for a touchdown. Less than eight minutes of game time had elapsed and the host was already in command with a 20-0 lead.
“It’s nice when you execute what we practiced all week,” East associate head coach Steve Flagler said after a 53-6 victory over Spencerport. “We have a script like anyone else. We executed, drove. It’s a good way to start. It sets us up for success.”
Five different players eventually scored touchdowns in the win, and East improved to 3-0 on the season.
“We can be happy about what they’re doing right now,” said fellow East High associate head coach, James Vann. “They’re guys making plays, and we’re happy with them.”
Zymier Jackson finished with four touchdowns and 327 total yards. The senior quarterback connected with De’Andre Leonard on a 50-yard catch-and-run for a 13-0 lead. Jackson made it a 26-0 game later in the second quarter when he scampered 36 yards untouched for a touchdown.
First down from the 36, Zymier Jackson takes it himself. @EastEpo 26-0. 5:03 remaining in the half. @SecVFootball pic.twitter.com/IY2XmHiFyt
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 14, 2023
East has outscored its three opponents by a combined total of 147-34.
“We’re trying to preach every day get a little better, every day execute,” Flagler said. “It doesn’t matter who we play, we play our game. It’s the same stuff.
“We’re trying to challenge ourselves every day in practice. We have a pretty good two-deep, so we have a pretty good look every week. I think that makes us better. Everyone contributes.”
East’s defense held Spencerport to four first downs over the first 24 minutes of play. The Eagles forced the Rangers to go three-and-out on three of their first four possessions.
Second down from the 50, Zymier Jackson finds Deandre Leonard on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Leonard is off to the races. Next set of downs, Ervin Wiggins takes an interception for 6. @EastEpo 20-0 with4:19 remaining in the first. @SecVFootball pic.twitter.com/Kmtc3vru40
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 14, 2023
“We harped all week on reading keys,” Vann explained. “Reading the guards and doing your job. They did a good job with that. Everyone trusted each other, and they did their jobs. That’s what we saw out there today.”
Jackson was 15-of-21 through the air for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 59 yards. Perrion Williams made four catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns. The senior linebacker also had 16 tackles including one for a loss. Leonard had five catches for 84 yards and eight tackles. Anthony Diaz returned a punt 58 yards to pay dirt.
Jeremiah Tucker finished with 15 total tackles including three for a loss. Brandon Franklin had 10 total tackles including two for a loss.
Amari Marianetti-Smith scored the lone Spencerport (0-3) touchdown on a one-yard run.
From one yard out, Amari Marianetti-Smith gets @Ranger_Sports on the scoreboard. @SecVFootball pic.twitter.com/l75kx5lHem
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 15, 2023
East travels to play at Canandaigua (2-1) next Friday. CA defeated Greece Arcadia, 7-6 on Thursday.
Spencerport hosts Greece Athena (0-3) on September 23rd.
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