By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — An early deficit proved to be a speed bump for the East/World of Inquiry football team Friday night.
In an effort that was described as uneven at best by both coaches and players, the Eagles rolled to a 40-point win.
And left onlookers wondering about the full potential for the 2024 version clad in purple and gold.
Tyler Benjamin threw for a pair of touchdowns and rushed for another score while Da’Mari Green and Anthony Hampton both found the end zone twice as host East/WOIS improved to 2-1 on the season with a 61-21 victory over Greece Athena.
“We know we were better,” Benjamin said. “We got to go and show it to everybody. We got to play to a higher standard.”
Benjamin scored on a keeper from three yards out to give East/WOIS a lead it did not surrender with 5:44 remaining in the first quarter. The Eagles converted a field goal on their next drive and Benjamin connected with teammate Dezmon Jackson on a 35-yard strike for a commanding 24-7 lead.
Later in the half, Benjamin hit Taye Brown for a score. The senior quarterback finished the night 6-of-13 through the air for 151 yards. He credited his teammates for allowing him to use a variety of targets in the win.
“Great O-line,” he said. “They give me a great pocket, giving me time to throw the ball. And my receivers making plays, catching the ball.”
Stepping under center for East/WOIS, Benjamin shoulders the responsibility of guiding a program that went to the NYS Class A semifinals in 2023. Zymier Jackson led that Eagles’ squad to 11 straight wins to open the season a year ago.
Benjamin looks to forge his own path.
“I’m trying to do my own thing, make my own legacy at East High School. I’m not trying to live up to Zy.”
With Benjamin at the helm, East/WOIS didn’t flinch Friday night after spotting Athena an 7-0 lead.
The Eagles responded quickly with a score of their own.
Green scored from 66 yards out. After a successful point-after try, the game was tied.
“My linemen, I love my linemen,” Green said also commending the Eagles front line. “That was great blocking. The hole was wide open. All I got to do is use my speed for a cutback. That’s it.”
2nd and 21 from the 34, Da’Mari Green breaks into the open and takes it to the house. PAT is good. 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter: @AthenaHigh 7 @GoEastEagles 7 pic.twitter.com/kYtPhmAVG5
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
After a fumble recovery, @GoEastEagles needs four plays to go 15 yards. Tyler Benjamin finishes it on a keeper from two yards out. PAT is good. East 14 Athena 7 @SecVFootball pic.twitter.com/cer9AKemid
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
First down from the 35, Tyler Benjamin finds Dezmon Jackson for 6. PAT is good. 10:32 remaining in the second quarter East 24 Athena 7 pic.twitter.com/Uhr2dGChRr
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
Anthony Hampton keeps the feet moving to set up first and goal from the 2. pic.twitter.com/5mGKmyIxBI
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
After a 45-yard punt return from Kelvin Sheppard sets up @GoEastEagles at the Athena 20, Tyler Benjamin hits Taye Brown for 6. PAT is good. East 38-14 heading to halftime. pic.twitter.com/thw6iHairb
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
The win was the second straight for East/WOIS . This after dropping a 32-0 decision to Christian Brothers Academy of Syracuse to open the season.
“We knew they were a great team, but we know we could have beaten them if we executed properly and listened to the coaches,” Benjamin said. “It’s been hard in practice. They’ve been on us ever since. We just got to do better.
“We got to play to a higher standard. We didn’t do that tonight. I feel like we got to get back in the lab. We got to come to practice on Monday, and we got to go to a higher standard, play better.”
Green finished the game with 15 touches for 227 yards. Hampton had six carries for 103 yards.
On the defensive side, Jeremiah Tucker made 11 tackles (two for a loss), one sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a safety. Clauzell Moore had 14 tackles – four for a loss. Hampton finished with eight tackles (one for a loss).
Yusuf Abdi converted 8-of-8 extra point attempts and kicked a 31-yard field goal.
Athena’s Zaire Good had a hand in all three of the Trojans. The senior had two receptions including one to give Athena the early 7-0 lead. Good also ran a kickoff back 94 yards for a touchdown. He also completed a 40-yard pass to Travis Mack for a touchdown to make it a 38-21 game early in the third quarter.
Jake Strebel to Travis Portis sets up @AthenaHigh in East territory. pic.twitter.com/PHKfx6PR3o
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
Jake Strebel to Travis Portis sets up @AthenaHigh in East territory. pic.twitter.com/PHKfx6PR3o
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 20, 2024
Mack had two receptions for 49 yards. Jackson Rohr led the Athena defense with 10 tackles. Aaron Johnson had six tackles, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery.
Athena (1-2) hosts Canandaigua next Friday for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.
East/WOIS travels to Monroe for a noon start time next Saturday.
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