No. 9 Western Branch earns hard-fought victory over archrival Deep Creek in classic showdown
It’s been a long time since a Deep Creek-Western Branch game meant something for both teams — 2006 to be exact.
But fans were treated to a classic rivalry game Friday night as both teams battled for four quarters before the ninth-ranked Bruins outlasted the visiting Hornets 21-14.
The win snapped a four-game losing streak to Deep Creek, but also helped the Bruins improve to 8-1 for the first time since 2013. It also set up a big matchup with top-ranked Oscar Smith next week with the Southeastern District title on the line.
“Like I told the guys, this is playoff atmosphere,” said Bruins coach Rashad Cook, who could barely speak because he was so hoarse from yelling. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for Deep Creek and their program and their storied history. Our kids responded well and they answered the bell.”
Deep Creek (4-4, 3-4) dominated the game in the first half. The Hornets had several opportunities to score, including on their first possession, but fumbled on the Western Branch 3.
The Hornets eventually scored in the second quarter thanks to defensive back Lamontae Wilson, who picked off Taquan Trotman for his area-leading eighth interception of the season.
Five plays later, running back Brandon Nesbit scored from 2 yards. The drive was costly, however, as star player Anthony Barnes injured his foot and didn’t return.
The Hornets played lights-out defense, except for the final seconds of the half. With all of the momentum, they had a lapse when Bruins running back Shimique Blizzard took a handoff on a draw and went 78 yards for the game-tying touchdown with 10 seconds left.
“It was wide open, so I took it. My line did a great job,” said Blizzard, who finished with 107 yards on 12 carries. “We already knew it was going to be a tough game. So we had to keep pushing and keep fighting.”
Cook talked about how important that touchdown was for his team.
“They executed well. We just couldn’t find that one explosive play to get us where we needed to be,” he said. “But that really gave our offense a lot of confidence.”
After a scoreless third quarter, Western Branch took the lead on Trotman’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Paul Billups Jr.
Deep Creek answered on Darien Seymour-Jackson’s 5-yard touchdown run.
Western Branch regained the lead on its next possession when Devin Cook — the coach’s son — caught a slant pass from Trotman, broke several tackles and went 46 yards for the eventual winning touchdown.
With the Hornets moving into Western Branch territory, linebacker Bryson Ruff sealed the game with an interception with 1:02 left.
“You wouldn’t expect it to be any different when it’s Deep Creek and Western Branch,” Rashad Cook said
Larry Rubama, 757-446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com Follow @LHRubama on Twitter.
