Sports

Sports & Recreation www.oceancitytoday.com Nov. 18, 2022 Page 54

Marshall pleased with 3A XC state meet performance

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Nov. 18, 2022) Stephen Decatur sophomore Amber Marshall was pleased with her performance during the MPSSAA 3A cross country state championship meet, held last Saturday at Hereford High School in Parkton.

“I did really well. I wasn’t expecting the time I got,” she said. “I was happy with the time and the place I got too.”

Prior to the event, Marshall said her goal was to finish the race in about 24 minutes. She completed the 5K in 22:33, crossing the finish line 47th overall. It was her first time running the challenging, hilly course.

“At first it was nerve-racking. There were a lot of girls at the start line, and they were all fast, and it was difficult with the hills, but I didn’t let that get to me,” she said.

Marshall said she felt more relaxed knowing her family was there. When she heard them cheering her on and when she saw her coach near the final hill, she said, “I knew I could keep pushing through.”

Marshall said she enjoyed her first experience competing in the state championship meet.

“It was really fun. I hope to get back next year,” she added.

Coach Brenda Hommel said she was very impressed with Marshall’s performance, noting that she was one of only two runners from the Eastern Shore in the 3A division made up of 132 female participants.

“Nearly every girl in the race is used to running against other 3A runners on courses similar to the Bull Run course, so Amber was definitely at a disadvantage,” she said. “She didn’t let her circumstances, however, affect her mindset going into or during the race. Amber ran with grit, strategy and heart.

“As a sophomore, Amber looked to gain experience on the course and against an elevated level of competition with hopes of having future opportunities to make it to the state meet,” she continued. “Notably, Amber’s time on this course ranks in the top six of all female Decatur runners to date. I look forward to working with her next year as she will be a force on the team in preparing her teammates to join her at the state meet.”

Marshall thought it was a big accomplishment to be one of two runners from the shore competing and to rank in the top six of Decatur’s female runner.

She was happy with her second cross country season and hopes to do even better next year.

She qualified for the state championship with her fifth-place finish in the 3A South Region meet the week prior. She completed the regional race in 21:23, which was a new season personal record.

Marshall earned a spot on the Bayside All-Conference team with her sixth-place finished (21:30.20) during the championship meet on Oct. 26.

Marshall is trying out for the school’s cheerleading team during the winter season. She plans to run outdoor track in the spring.

Hommel thought the cross country season overall went as well as she could hope for.

“We knew going into the season that we had a young team with a majority of our runners being new to the team. All of our runners showed individual growth throughout the season as well as growth in working together to improve their performance as a team,” she said. “We are not graduating many seniors – two girls and three boys – so if we could recruit a few dedicated runners next year it could put us in a great position next year.

“It became clear to our athletes this season that one or two places from each person in a varsity position of a race can mean the difference between winning and coming in third or fourth as a team,” she added. “I am hoping to come out strong in August with our athletes ready to run and push themselves to new levels next year.”

PHOTO COURTESY AMBER MARSHALL Stephen Decatur sophomore Amber Marshall, second from right, competed in the MPSSAA 3A cross country state championship meet, held last Saturday at Hereford High School in Parkton. She completed the 5K in 22:33, crossing the finish line 47th overall. She is joined by teammates, Graham Field, Macy Woroniecki, Mackenzie Cathell and Coach Brenda Hommel.

Decatur football team tops NC, 43-27, in second round

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Nov. 18, 2022) When the Stephen Decatur football team hosted the North Caroline Bulldogs on Oct. 7 – the Seahawks’ homecoming night – they came from behind to win the battle, 16-14.

When the two teams met again in Berlin last Saturday in the MPSSAA 2A East Region second round, Decatur dominated – even in the unseasonably warm weather and with the flu bug going around the team – coming out on top, 43-27.

“Most guys were sick all week. Quite a few lost body weight and it was hot, so it was a challenge,” Decatur Coach Jake Coleman said. “They fought through it and battled. Sometime you have to go to work when you don’t feel well. North Caroline gave us everything. I was pleased with the guys and how they fought.”

Decatur, the No. 3 seed, got on the board first with a touchdown by junior quarterback Brycen Coleman. Junior Brogan Eastlack’s kick was good.

The seventh-seeded Bulldogs made it 7-6 with one minute left in the quarter.

Senior Luke Mergott and sophomore Trybe Wise scored in the secSeeDECATUR Page 55

PHOTOS COURTESY BAYSIDE SPORT PHOTOGRAPHY The Stephen Decatur football team fought through the heat and flu bug to win the MPSSAA 2A East Region second-round game against North Caroline last Saturday in Berlin, 43-27. (Above) Sophomore Ethan Bradshaw had eight tackles (two solo, six assisted) in the game. (Right) Sophomore Trybe Wise caught four passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

All-Bayside Awards Football: Decatur to battle Potomac

Several Stephen Decatur football players received All-Bayside Conference awards for their performance during the season.

Co-Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Mergott

Offense First Team: Brycen Coleman (quarterback) Gavin Solito (slot) Luke Mergott (TE) AJ Trimble (OL) Brogan Eastlack (kicker)

Offense Second Team: Trybe Wise (WR) Nate Tapley (offense utility) Brycen Coleman (punter/punt returner) Luke Mergott (kickoff returner) Defense First Team: Luke Mergott (DE) Amarian Manuel (safety) David Lockwood (defensive specialist)

Defense Second Team: Kenny Spates (DT/NG) Gavin Solito (ILB) Daegan Risser (IBL) A’zavion Manuel (DE) Tre Dorn (CB)

Honorable Mention: Caden Shockley (RB) Logan Bradshaw (WR) Garrett Maloney (OL) Justin Bailey (OL) James Watkins (OL) Sully Auker (DT) Logan Bradshaw (OLB) Ethan Bradshaw (OLB) Dalontae Henry (CB) Nas Tull (RB) DaMartae Purnell (OL) Davin Chandler (slot)

BBBSES to host 30th annual Santa’s Open event Dec. 10

(Nov. 18, 2022) On Dec. 10, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) will hold its 30th annual Santa’s Open Charity Event at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.

This is a fun event to add to holiday traditions. Each holiday season, the Eastern Shore comes together to support children facing adversity by golfing in this tournament and bringing an unwrapped gift for a child between the ages of 6-17.

BBBSES serves all nine counties on the Eastern Shore: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester. All proceeds from this event go to local causes.

The collected unwrapped gifts will be given to children in the BBBSES program during the holiday season.

Volunteers and attendees can enjoy a round of golf, golfer gifts, refreshments, food, silent auction, raffle prizes and prizes for the top performers.

The Hole-in-One contest is sponsored by Pohanka. Some other prizes include gift certificates to local businesses, spas and hotel packages.

BBBSES still has sponsorship and team spots open. Those interested should visit www.shorebiglittle.org/events, send an email to golf4kids@shorebiglittle.org or call 410-543-2447.

in state quarterfinal round

Continued from Page 54 ond quarter and Eastlack was successful on his extra-point attempts to boost Decatur’s advantage to 21-6 at halftime.

North Caroline scored early in the third quarter, but Decatur answered with touchdowns by Mergott and Wise.

The visiting Bulldogs scored with about three minutes left in the third quarter.

Coleman ran into the end zone with just over a minute to play, then Mergott was successful on the twopoint conversion. After three quarters, Decatur led 43-19.

North Caroline made it 43-27 with just under nine minutes remaining in the game, but the Decatur defense held off any more charges.

“The big difference between the two games is both sides made adjustments from game to game. When you play a team twice you’re going to see different things,” Coleman said. “Offense did a great job, special teams was key in this game – it was a huge advantage for us – and defense only gave up 21 yards rushing in the first half. We just have to make sure we finish. We can’t let a team back in.”

Coleman was 11-for-29 passing for 186 yards and throwing three touchdowns. He rushed 11 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns.

Mergott carried the ball three times for eight yards and a touchdown. He caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Wise caught four passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Eastlack was 5-for-5 on extra points.

Sophomore Ethan Bradshaw had eight tackles (two solo, six assisted). Junior Gavin Solito chipped in with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted). Sophomore Sully Auker had six tackles (one solo, five assisted).

“It was huge win. It puts us one more round deeper,” Coleman said. “I’m proud of the kids. It’s amazing to be sitting here 9-2. They’ve really done a phenomenal job.” The remaining eight 2A teams were reseeded for the state quarterfinal round. Fifth-seeded Decatur will take a trip to Oxon Hill in Prince George’s County on Friday to face the No. 4 Potomac Wolverines at 6:30 p.m.

“Making it to the third round two years in a row is a big accomplishment. The next goal is this game,” Coleman said. “We don’t want this ride to end … They only have one loss on the season and they’ve only given up 33 points in 11 games. We have to give our best effort, we have to bring our ‘A’ game and we’ve got to play to win. We have to come out and do all the little things well – catch the ball better, win one-on-ones, tackle in open space, have another great effort by special teams, offense has to get it going and defense has to be lights out.”

Fans planning on attending the game should purchase tickets online a t https://gofan.co/app/events/790744 ?schoolId=MD24822&fbclid=IwAR0 MqxkKNEg6jxl6IMNdMPazZGUNq f W 5 p l I I nj5SVD3s4QvAz_P3Qiste8.

Jake Coleman

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY Stephen Decatur sophomore Ava Snelsire earned a spot on the All-Bayside South First Team. Snelsire tallied six goals and six assists this season.

Decatur field hockey players earn All-Bayside S. awards

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Nov. 18, 2022) Several Stephen Decatur field hockey players received All-Bayside South Conference awards for their performances during the fall season.

Freshman Bailey Griffin and sophomore Ava Snelsire earned spots on the Bayside South First Team.

Griffin had two goals and eight assists this season. Snelsire tallied six goals and six assists.

Honorable mention accolades went to senior captain Bre Ferguson (nine goals and one assists), junior captain Abby Melito (one goal as a defender) and senior goalie Sarah Smith, who recorded 76 saves during the season.

“It’s great that we had two young players (freshman and sophomore) on first team. That’s an impressive accomplishment at that age,” said Decatur Coach Katie Griffin. “Happy for Sarah and Bre to be recognized in their final season, and great to see Abby Melito get recognition after starting every game for us on defense for the last three seasons.”

The coach presented her team awards to: Griffin (Rookie of the Year), Ferguson and Snelsire (CoMVPs), Smith (Unsung Hero) and senior Emily Sandt (Sportsmanship).

The Lady Seahawks finished the regular season 6-6 (6-7 overall). The season ended with a 1-0 overtime loss to James M. Bennett in the MPSSAA 2A East Region II semifinals on Oct. 31.

“I’m proud of them. It was a great season. They’ve done more this season than any Decatur field hockey team has done in over a decade … It’s been well over 10 years since Decatur had a non-losing season,” Griffin said.

GOLF FUNDRAISER

The Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association teamed up with the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association for a golf outing at Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 12. A total of $2,550 was raised for Atlantic General Hospital Foundation to support life-saving mammogram screenings.

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHEN DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK

DECATUR ATHLETES

Four Stephen Decatur student-athletes will be moving their sports career to the next level and were recognized during a signing ceremony in the high school’s gymnasium on Nov. 9. Pictured, from left, are Ryan McLaughlin, University of Delaware, baseball; Sadie Peters, Baylor University, equestrian; Mia Kemp, Shippensburg University, soccer; and Alina Bernal-Clark, Palm Beach Atlantic University, lacrosse.

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