Redskins trucking along in playoffs

The first round play-off game between the Kingston Redskins and the Frederick Bombers took place at the Redskins’ home stadium Friday, November 10. The match was close, and it had the spectators on the edge of their seats. In the last seconds, Kingston prevailed, allowing the Redskins to move on to round two. Senior Delton O’Steen said even though the game was close, they won because of their perseverance.

“The game was not pretty, but toughness wins,” O’Steen said. “I am proud of my teammates becausewhenwemade mistakes, we did not give. We fought harder.”

The opening quarter unfolded as Kingston kicked off to the Bombers, who launched their offensive drive from the 34-yard line. Despite Frederick’s efforts, they were soon forced to punt. Parks Ratzlaff’s return positioned the home team on the Bombers’ 48-yard line. Advancing to the 44, Reid Patterson’s 26-yard pass to Ratzlaff on the 18 set the stage for O’Steen to secure Kingston’s first touchdown, bringing the score to 6-0 at the 7:20 mark.

The Bombers received the kickoff on the 36, but their plans were foiled by O’Steen, granting the Redskins an opportunity to extend the lead. A complete pass from Patterson to Eli Oliger propelled the Redskins to the three-yard line, where Ratzlaff scored another touchdown at the 5:27 mark. Jamie Lewis’ successful extra point extended Kingston’s lead to 13-0.

Following the kickoff, Frederick surged from the far 26, overcoming the Redskins’ defense and scoring their first touchdown at the 3:21 mark, narrowing the score to 13-7. Kingston took possession on the 42-yard line, advancing to the 28-yard line as the quarter concluded with the Redskins in the lead.

The second quarter started withKingstongoingonthe offensive from the 28-yard line. Despite the Redskins attempts to proceed, they had a turnover on downs. Frederick gained possession on the far 29. The Bombers’ subsequent drive ended in a punt. The Redskins immediately turned the ball back over with an interception. However, Kingston’s defense pushed back and forced a Bomber turnover.

Kingstonadvancedsteadily to the 41, but the Bombers intercepted and progressed to the 35 before punting. The Redskins, seizing the ball on the 35, made a collaborative effort between Oliger, Patterson, and Cash Walker, that culminatedinatouchdownat the 00:7 mark and elevated the score to 20-7. Frederick fumbled the ensuing kickoff, recovered by Patterson, placing Kingston on the 24-yard line as the half concluded.

The third quarter began with the Bombers kicking to the Redskins, who fumbled the ball, allowing the Bombers to commence their drive on Kingston’s 49-yard line. Despite efforts to advance, penalties and the Redskins’ defense forced a turnover, returning the ball to the home team at midfield. However, Frederick intercepted a pass on the far 34, slowly advancing to the eight-yard line before scoring its second touchdown at the 3:17 mark, narrowing the score to 20-13.

A Kingston fumble on the kickoff granted the Bombers possession on the 36, advancing to the 27 before an interception by Patterson on the 47. Soon after, another Kingston fumble allowed Frederick to recover the ball and secure a touchdown, tying the score 20-20 with 1:15 remaining in the quarter. Yet, another fumble by Kingston after the kickoff saw the Bombers reach the 26-yard line before the third quarter’s conclusion.

The final quarter began with the Bombers advancing from the 26-yard line, but a fumble was recovered by AidenDonnell,who returned the ball to the 23. Kingston’s methodical advance led to a field goal, bringing the score to 23-20 at the 7:21 mark.

Following the kickoff, Frederick advanced from the far 29 to the 12, scoring another touchdown at the 3:35markandtakingthelead 23-27. Kingston reclaimed the ball, with a stretched out catch by Oliger and a perfect pass by Patterson resulted in a Redskins touchdown at the 1:24 mark, securing a 30-27 lead. After the kickoff, Frederick attempted to score again, but Brayden Ellisor and the Redskins’ defensive line halted their advance, concluding the game.

With this victory, Kingston advances to the next round. They will host Alva at home. Kick off is at 7 p.m.