By: Orazio Merlo

On Friday September fourth the Maury High School Commodores lost a close game 35-34 to the Varina Blue Devils in overtime

Maury lost due to their defensive struggles and lack of aggression in overtime.

The Commodore offense played well despite the loss especially Senior running back Tayshawn Branche who ran two touchdowns in including a 54 yarder to open the game. Junior Quarterback Domo Everette had a touchdown pass as Sophomore Tajuan Pair also had one. The Maury offense had two receiving touchdowns caught by Senior Matt Williams and Sophomore Taejon Cason respectively. The Maury offense recorded one touchdown in overtime. 

The Maury defense despite giving up 35 made many big plays throughout the night. Maury recorded seven TFLs in the game including two by Junior Tre’Quan Duke, one by Senior Samuel Woods, one by Taejon Cason, one by Senior Avion Rodriguez, and two sacks one for each Junior Zion Mullen and Senior Elijah King. 

Maury utilized two kickers in the Game, Senior Gavin Lampert and Sophomore Grayson Moody. Both kickers were effective making all extra point attempts but one including the one in overtime. 

In overtime the Commodores got the ball first where they scored a touchdown on the first possession of overtime kicking the extra point. Unfortunately Varina socred on the subsequent possession and made the two point conversion to walk it off on the road. 

Maury High School’s next game is on Saturday September 12th at Bishop Macnemerra High School.