Blair football loses homecoming game to Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons

On Friday, Oct 13, the Blair Blazers (2-5) lost to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Barons (4-3) in their homecoming game in a game full of intense plays with a final score of 20-21. 

This loss didn’t mean that the Blazers went out without a fight. Fueled by the crowd decked in red, the Blazers were in high spirits, with relentless plays. Students, staff, parents, and visitors of all ages filled up the stands in support of the Blazers. 

Red Smoke HOCO game

Photo: Junior Alejandro Mendez Sanchez enters the field with a red smoke trail.

Junior Alejandro Mendez Sanchez enters the field with a red smoke trail. Photo courtesy of Zach Carter and Bruno Resetarits.

Blair ended the first quarter with a score of 14-7, in the lead, which followed them into the second and third quarters. By the start of the second half, it was necessary for the Blazers to keep up their defensive outing strategy. The score stuck at 14-7.

Despite a slow start in the first half, the Blazers made multiple first downs, with great runs from Quarterback Quinn Stofa. After an interception from BCC, Blair went back onto the field hoping to tie the game. 

With six minutes left in the quarter, the Baron’s senior running back Nelson Smith made an eight-yard run, tying the game 14-14. To make up for their lack of defense, the Blazers took a 3-yard handoff to sophomore running back Junior Rodriguez. A great catch and run by senior wide receiver Ryder Mazzucchelli then gave the Blazers a well-earned first down, with great positioning to score. Stofa gave the Blazers a first down with two minutes left in the third quarter. 

Blair started the fourth quarter in a tight position. They attempted to take the lead, their first play of the quarter being a touchdown catch and run by wide receiver Jayden Parkers. After a scoreless two quarters, the Blazers restored confidence and attempted a two-point conversion without success, the score remained 20-14.

Blazer line up HOCO game

Photo: The Blazers ready for the game.

The Blazers ready for the game. Photo courtesy of Zach Carter and Bruno Resetarits.

The Barons wasted no time, with ten minutes left on the clock to take the leader, and senior quarter Carson Griffey made two great rushes. By far the most well-executed play was Griffey’s play-action fake, leading to a catch at the two-yard line. BCC scored a running touchdown and an extra point with seven minutes left, pushing them into the lead 20-21. 

Not all hope was lost. The Blazers employed more pressure, hoping to score a field goal. Their strategy consisted of running the ball during first downs. Stofa handed the ball off to senior running back Montay Wade, which eventually resulted in a loss of yardage with six minutes left on 2nd and long. Eventually, the Blazers were left with two plays and no more than three yards gained.

Nosoff HOCO game

Photo: Blair Football Coach Nosoff pep talks the team.

Blair Football Coach Nosoff pep talks the team. Photo courtesy of Zach Carter and Bruno Resetarits.

BCC took advantage of the Blazers' loss of defensive strength, and took several first downs to waste time on the clock, effectively diminishing all hope of a last-minute win. The game ended with a final score of 20-21. 

Despite the loss, the Blazers are staying positive for their next game against Pain Branch. "After a loss going into the next game we just have to think better, stay positive, and go into the next week of practice with high hopes," Parker said.

Blair will face Paint Branch next away game on Friday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 PM. Tickets can be found here.