The M-A Bears dominated their rival Woodside 63-14 on senior night, Friday, November 4, with impressive play from the team as a whole. The Bears finished the season undefeated in league and with an overall record of 8-2. This impressive regular season record has earned them the top seed in Open Division I playoffs.
The Bears were at the top of their game, scoring six touchdowns in the first quarter. The 42 points M-A amassed in the quarter were more than the team scored in six of its games this year. The final score of 63-14 tied the largest margin of victory for the Bears, who beat Sacred Heart Cathedral 49-0 in early September. Averaging over 40 points and five touchdowns a game, the Bears have been an offensive powerhouse.
The Bears were just as intense and effective on defense as they were on offense. Senior Stavro Papadakis made six tackles — leading the team in tackles — and also recorded a sack on the night. Senior Tate Tussing had an impressive all-around performance with three tackles on defense and a 43-yard reception on offense. Junior D’arius Gipson had the lone interception of the game. Woodside struggled to move the ball offensively all game as the Bears’ defense stifled the Wildcat attack.
The Bears dominated from the start with some remarkable individual performances on offense. Quarterback Aajon Johnson had five completions for 222 yards, three passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. Senior running back Jordan Mims had nine carries for 212 rushing yards and an extraordinary four touchdowns on the day. Multiple players chipped in with receptions, including Mims, Mekhi Blackmon, and Aaron Johnson, each with one receiving touchdown.
Not only have the Bears been scoring touchdowns, but they have also been converting on extra points. Kicker Spencer Corona has made 47 out of 50 extra points this season, the best of anyone in the Central Coast Section (CCS).
With this win and a remarkable season overall, the Bears have a good chance of going deep in the playoffs with their first seed ranking in Open Division I. Come out and cheer on the Bears as they play at home against Wilcox High School on Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m.
