Warriors storm out of Blair with win

SEPT. 10, BLAZER STADIUM

The Sherwood Stormin' Warriors came into tonight's game with a boatload of confidence following their win over Springbrook last week. With tonight's 42-13 win, they proved that they have a real shot at greatness this year.

Junior running back Brian Gunderman ran for 190 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries as the Warriors (2-0) ground attack was more effective than FedEx's in tonight's 42-13 thrashing of Blair (0-2). Gunderman was exceptionally consistent, barreling over Blazer linebackers for consistent gains of 6-15 yards. His longest rush tonight went for a 30 yard gain.

Sophomore Dontay Twyman started at quarterback for the Warriors and was effective, going 9-16 for 123 yards and a pretty six-yard TD pass to junior Chris Sheahin, who had six receptions and was Twyman's favorite target of the night. Ben Everett also made a nice pair of receptions as well for Sherwood.

Blair's starter at quarterback tonight was junior Aaron Simon, making his varsity-starting debut in the team's home opener. He was yanked by coach Jeffrey Seals after throwing just one pass, but was then put back in later in the game, continuing the platoon at QB between Simon and sophomore Ross Williams.

Williams was the better of the two Blazer quarterbacks tonight, though neither was stellar. Williams threw for 64 yards tonight, and each threw an interception in the fourth quarter; one to Gunderman, who played amazing on both sides of the ball, as well as one to Henry Amankwah.

Sherwood led 14-0 following a Gunderman touchdown to start the scoring frenzy, and then a Cory Estrain return of a blocked punt for a Sherwood touchdown. Blair senior Tim Yorro had his punt blocked by Shaun Robinson following a poor snap, which was recovered by Estrain who scampered into the end zone for the score.

The Warriors would stretch the lead to 21-0 before Blair's most exciting play of the night. After refturning the Sherwood kickoff to their 49-yard line, Blair's Michael Stewart finished the job on the first play from scrimmage. Stewart took the handoff and was able to get down the sideline for a 49 yard touchdown run that brought the Blair fans to their feet.

Yorro's troubles continued with a poor punt and a fumble in the third quarter that cost Blair field position. He was not the only player who struggled, however; the offense was stagnant and the defense couldn't stop Brian Gunderman, who averaged nearly eight yards a carry.

The two Michaels had the best performances for the Blazers. In addition to the 49 yard touchdown run, Michael Wright led the rushing attack with a total of 110 yards tonight. Michael Stewart was the team's best receiver with three catches and over 40 yards receiving.

Two Blazers, including junior Jason Merriman, a star last year for JV, came down with cramping problems during the game. This was also an issue last season and worth noting.

Coach Seals, an assistant coach for 26 years at Blair, has gone 0-2 in his first two games as the Blazers' head coach.

While Blair will develop these new varsity players into excellent contributors, the Warriors may have reached that level already and could be poised for an excellent season ahead.

The Blazers are young and will get better as the season goes on, and will definitely contend next year, but tonight, it was all Sherwood.

NOTES: Blair's kick return team of Jason Merriman and Michael Wright returned the ball past the 25 yard line on all but one kick…Charlie Byrne, a Junior for Sherwood may not have stood out in the game tonight, but he sure did on the roster sheet; Byrne checks in a 6'9" and 315 pounds, more than many NFL linemen. He played in the fourth quarter…Blair hosts Springbrook next Friday at 6:30 PM. They entered tonight 0-1.

Click here to stream the Blair Sports Network's highlights from this game.