The Laurel Bulldogs defeated Seaford, 28-3, in the annual Lions Club trophy game last Friday night in Seaford. The annual football game, dating back to 1936, is one of the longest running rivalry games in the state of Delaware. This year is the 21st consecutive win for Laurel, beginning in 2004.
“Seaford came out ready to roll,” said Laurel head coach Joey Jones who told the team at half-time, “Don’t you dare be the guys to break the streak.”
Laurel senior quarterback Koby Shockley carries the ball for the Bulldogs in the Lion’s trophy game against Seaford. Photo by Lynn Schofer
Laurel scored 21 points in the second half to seal the trophy win. Senior quarterback Koby Shockley said of the win, “It means a lot and we get to keep the streak going for everyone who has gone before us.”
In the first quarter and on Laurel’s first possession Asante Lofland and quarterback Koby Shockley moved the chains until the defensive line of Seaford denied Shockley at the 13 yard-line and the ball was turned over on downs.
Seaford sophomore quarterback Jahari Ross connected with Jaydin Johnson but the Blue Jays had to punt the ball when Laurel’s Jeremiah Mizzelle Hopkins tipped the pass to fall incomplete on third down. In the second quarter, the first score came when the Blue Jays committed a crucial face mask penalty that pushed the Bulldogs inside the red zone. On third down Laurel’s Elijah Niblett ran to the right for the touchdown.
The Blue Jays lost yardage on the kick-off because of a personal foul ejection. Seaford had the opportunity to tie the game in the final minute of the first half. The Blue Jays lined up to punt with 31 seconds on the clock and Zahir Seymore faked the punt and ran for a first down. Ross connected with Everette Burton for a first down and with one second remaining Laurel was flagged for pass interference. Ross dropped back and the pass to Taishawn Frisby was long to the end zone and Laurel held the 7-0 half time lead. The second half was dominated by Laurel that held possession most of the third quarter when Mizzelle-Hopkins scored and the PAT gave Laurel the 14-0 lead. In the final seconds of the quarter Lofland sacked Seaford’s Ross to force the turnover.
Lofland and freshman AJ Cannon each scored a touchdown for the Bulldogs. It was Cannon’s first varsity score. Lofland, who led the way with 16 carries, 184 yards, and a touchdown, had the game’s final score.
Jones said, “Great win and they played tough, especially in the second half. This is history making and great for the players. Yards were hard at times, I could not do it without my line and my teammates that have faith in me to give me the ball. We became more of a team and had to step up. We brought it together in the second half,” said Lofland.