BERLIN- A valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell just a little short as Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team dropped its season opener, 20-14, to Bohemia Manor last Friday.
Decatur opened it 2016 campaign with a non-conference road game against Bohemia Manor in Cecil County last Friday and made a late charge against the Eagles after falling behind early. Bohemia Manor fumbled on its first possession of the game, setting the Seahawks up in good field position for their first offensive series of the season.
However, Decatur returned the favor and fumbled the ball back to Bohemia Manor on the Eagles’ one-yard line when it appeared they were heading in for an early score. Two plays later, Bohemia Manor’s Bobby McClennan dashed 95 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a 6-0 first-quarter lead. Essentially, it was at least a 12-point swing and set the tone early for the opening game of the season for Decatur.
Bohemia Manor scored again on a 48-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to extend the lead to 13-0. On the very last play of the first half, Bohemia Manor’s McClennan ran it in from 42 yards out to stake the Eagles to a 20-0 lead at the half.
Decatur did not roll over, however, and mounted a late comeback attempt in the second half. After a scoreless third quarter, the Seahawks scored on their first possession of the fourth quarter on a three-yard touchdown run by Alan Means. The extra point was good and Decatur had cut the lead to 20-7. With just 57 seconds left in the game, Decatur’s Eddie Zonnak punched it in from five yards out and after a successful extra point, the lead was cut to one score at 20-14.
However, Bohemia Manor recovered the ensuing onside kick and the Eagles were able to kill the clock and hold on for the 20-14 win in the opener for both teams. Decatur plays Wicomico at home on Friday in its Bayside Conference opener.