DC Metro Sports - 2007 High School Football: The Dunbar Crimson Tidal Wave Sweeps Away the Knights 28-8

Written by Wendall Stevens
Saturday, 22 September 2007
The Turkey Bowl victory by the Ballou Knights last year broke a string of victories by the Dunbar Crimson Tide dating back to 1999. September 21, 2007 has been marked on the Crimson Tide calendar since last Thanksgiving. Sam Ware, a long time member of the coaching staff at Dunbar said before the game,"We've been telling the kids about their responsibilities all week, they know what they have to do. Last year, they (Ballou) took something from us, I want it back." Head Coach Craig Jeffries said before the game, "I feel good about the game, it's a test for our kids, but I think we'll be OK." Dunbar played their second game on a sparkling new field with the beautiful Crimson Tide logo sewed into the center turf. The atmosphere was festive as media from all around the area showed up to cover the game including WKYS with radio personalities Angie Ang and DJ Quicksilver. Bands from both schools were cranking it up. The question of the day was how well first year Crimson Tide quarterback Tyree White would perform against a tough Ballou defense and the media spotlight? For the Knights the question was whether head coach Moe Ware would unleash a new wrinkle to free up quarterback Emmanuel Yeager from the onslaught of Reggie Ellis, DeWayne Chappell and a host of talented athletes in the Crimson Tide secondary? Those questions would be answered soon enough after the opening kickoff. The Crimson Tide had they're own version of "Blackout Friday" as they donned all black unis with a crimson accent. The Crimson Tide marched the ball right down the field after the opening kickoff mixing a combination of hard running and a big 25 yard pass play to running back Charles Siler. Quarterback Tyree White plunged into the end zone at the 7:46 mark of the first quarter, however the conversion attempt was blocked as Dunbar took a 6-0 lead. The story of the game for the Knights was turnovers; five in all including four interceptions by Emmanuel Yeager that were eventually the deciding factors in an otherwise close game until the second half. Dunbar was in good field position after a fumble by the Knights. White's 25 yard scramble was wiped out because of a penalty and the drive stalled. After getting the ball back on downs, Ballou unleashed running back Lionel Robinson, who subsequently ripped off huge gains including runs of 15 and 25 yards to get his team into scoring position. Robinson would finish the game with 114 yards on 16 carries. As was such the case throughout the game, progress was halted because a costly penalty or interception stalled their drives. Dunbar's Jharron Armstrong, a phenomenal athlete, intercepted a Yeager pass near the end zone late in the first quarter. Dunbar's Robert Stewart intercepted another Yeager pass at the 4:40 mark of the second quarter but Dunbar was unable to score. Ballou did manage to sustain a drive on their following possession as Yeager led the way with a 10 yard keeper and a 20 yard pass for a touchdown. Ballou made the two point conversion to take the lead 8-6 going into halftime. Ballou started the third quarter three and out. Dunbar, after getting the ball in good field position cashed it in as Charles Siler punched it in to make the score 12-8 after a failed conversion. The Crimson Tide defense tightened up and applied heavy pressure to Yeager the rest of the way. As if the Crimson Tide defense wasn't enough, Ballou seemed to self destruct with penalties. Dunbar's Armstrong returned a 35 yard punt for a touchdown to increase the lead to 20-8 after a successful conversion. Abdul Taylor intercepted his second Yeager pass at the 8:47 mark of the fourth quarter to stop another Ballou drive. White capped off the scoring with his second touchdown from 10 yards out, and the final score was 28-8 after Dartanion Lasane caught the two point conversion for Dunbar. Emmanuel Yeager gave his thoughts saying, "We just lost focus. We had mental mistakes. It was their night, but we'll see these guys again, we not calling it quits." Ballou head coach Ware said, "Four turnovers was the key. We just weren't executing but we'll get better. At 2-2 we're still in a good position in the DCIAA." Coach Jefferies, who was ejected from the game, chimed in afterwards saying, "It feels good to get a win. Our kids hung in there. I always tell them we win together and we lose together." The Dunbar Crimson Tide and the Ballou Knights both move on a collision course to a possible second showdown on Thanksgiving Day on a neutral field. Log onto www.dcmetrosports.com as we follow both teams throughout the rest of the season. For high school football images go to www.dcmetrosports.com/prepsportgallery

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