Watkins’ Late Run Pushes Broadneck Past Arundel, 35-31
September 14, 2024
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A late CJ Watkins 6-yard touchdown run with just over a minute and a half remaining was enough to push the Broadneck Bruins (2-0) past the Arundel Wildcats (1-1), 35-31, on Friday night in a thrilling back and forth game.
Watkins’ score was the cap to a wild fourth quarter which saw the lead change hands four separate times. Both teams showcased an explosive offense but it was the Bruins who were able to create just enough stops on defense to secure the victory.
The scoring started early and often, as Broadneck received the opening kickoff, and just two plays later found itself in the end zone as Watkins completed a pass to wide receiver Joey Smargissi who turned on the jets and pulled away from the defenders to run 55 yards for a score. But then on its third play on offense, Arundel had a deep play of its own as quarterback Ahmir Lowery connected with receiver Darius Burton to even the score at seven apiece.
A 2o-yard run from Broadneck’s Ian Mauldin, and a 1-yard rush from Arundel’s TJ Mordecai would once again tie the game at 14-14 as the first quarter ended. Defenses were largely in control in the second quarter until the final minute. Watkins picked up a low snap off of the turf, scrambled to his right, and found receiver Carson Pierce in the end zone to give the Bruins a 21-14 lead, which they would take into halftime.
Arundel received the kickoff to start the second half, and in just a few plays marched right down the field and scored to tie the game once more. The drive was capped by a 5-yard rush by Mordecai. But after that, both defenses settled in and would carry a 21-21 tie into the fourth quarter.
An Arundel drive stalled in the red zone just a minute and a half into the final quarter, but a 28-yard field goal by Brandon Feinblatt would give the Wildcats a 24-21 advantage.
And then the back and forth would begin.
Just over a minute later, Watkins would connect with Mauldin in the backfield, and he would take the pass up the sidelines into the end zone to give Broadneck a 28-24 lead. But then with 4:35 to play, another 1-yard touchdown run by Mordecai gave Arundel a 31-28 lead.
With 1:48 remaining, Watkins took off on the QB keeper around the right side and across the goal line to give the Bruins the score they would need to win. Arundel drove the ball beyond midfield, but Lowery’s pass was batted down at the goal line by the Bruins secondary, and the game was over.
Broadneck will hit the road for its first time this season next week as it faces Meade, while Arundel will look to bounce back next Friday against Crofton.
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