The Ducks edge out the Raiders and remain undefeated in district play

Senior running back Andrias Fisher rushed for four touchdowns and 266 total yards on just his touchdown runs as the Taylor Ducks (3-4) defeated the Northeast Early College High School Raiders (1-5) by 57 on Friday, Oct. 11 -0 defeated at Nelson Field.

The Ducks controlled this game on both sides of the ball. The Raiders never made it past the 50-yard line and had a total of two first downs throughout the contest.

Taylor scored on the first offensive snap of the game after freshman all-purpose player Johnny Guzman threw a 38-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Jemarcus Seawood on a trick play.

A two-point conversion attempt would be successful, giving Taylor an 8-0 lead less than three minutes into the game.

The Ducks scored on their first snap of the game’s second drive as senior running back Andrias Fisher launched for a 60-yard rushing touchdown.

Before the contest, Fisher’s longest rush of the season was just 40 yards, but tonight each of his four touchdowns exceeded that amount.

“This is the guy we know [Fisher] to be,” said Taylor head coach Earven Flowers. “He had to stay on top of things by focusing on the little things and that’s exactly what he did this week.”

Defensively, the Ducks left the Raiders no options all night. It wasn’t until the start of the second quarter that a Taylor defensive mask gave Northeast Early College High School an automatic first down, their first play of the game.

Midway through the second quarter, freshman wide receiver Tayden Talley caught a 52-yard touchdown reception from senior quarterback Eli Laurence. This result would give Taylor a 36-0 lead. In the first half, Laurence scored three touchdowns, two through the air and one on the ground.

Late in the first half, the Raiders fumbled the ball at their own 13-yard line, adding to their atrocious offensive performance.

Second-year defensive end Billy Harrison made the recovery.

Taylor took a 50-0 lead at halftime.

The Ducks rested their starters for most of the second half. Fisher’s 56-yard touchdown in the third quarter gave the Ducks a 57-0 lead and marked the final score as Taylor showed mercy to the Raiders.

Taylor remains undefeated in district, extending his winning streak to three.

This came after losing all four non-district games to start the season.

Coach Flowers said the lack of varsity experience early in the season didn’t help, but the early outings against the boys got them used to being under the lights on Friday nights.

“Our kids are resilient and we knew the first four games would be tough,” said Coach Flowers. “Now they’re making plays and we’re playing a little better right now.”

Taylor will have a bye next week as they prepare for the final three games of the season as they look to continue their quest for a district championship.