Patriots Show Stingy Defense

By Roger Lee

Contributing Writer

North Charleston ­- Fort Dorchester defeated Ashley Ridge 33-12 Sept. 25 at Bagwell Stadium in what may be its best performances of the season.



The Patriots improved to 3-3 on the season and 2-0 in Region 5-AAAAA. The Swamp Foxes dropped to 1-5 and 1-1.

“Ashley Ridge hasn’t won a lot but they have played good ball the last few weeks,” said Fort Dorchester coach Shaun Lorenzano. “Our defense stepped up. The big question mark over the past few games has been can we get tougher on defense. We were giving up big plays, but tonight we were consistent across the board. Defensive coordinator Bobby Floyd had a great game plan and the kids executed it.”

Fort Dorchester junior corner back Zaire Warren intercepted two Ashley Ridge passes and junior linebacker Jaydon Oliver recovered a Swamp Fox fumble. The Patriots made two goal-line stands and forced the Swamp Foxes to turn the ball over on downs several other times.

“We didn’t execute well,” said Ashley Ridge coach Jeff Tate. “We had opportunities to make big plays, but we didn’t execute. We turned the ball over and had a lot of penalties. We just looked very undisciplined tonight.”

Junior quarterback Mesiah Rivers connected with multiple receivers to move the ball and made some big runs. Rivers completed more than a dozen passes for approximately 150 yards. Juniors Devin Gates and Derrick Simpson both had more than 50 receiving yards.

Freshman Dominque Blue and junior Amir Green also did damage on the ground.

“We had a really good week of practice and competition,” Lorenzano said. “We kind of changed the way we structured practice and I think it was really effective. We made big plays on both sides of the ball. We had some guys get hurt, but some younger guys stepped in. Dominque Blue just rocked it as a freshman running back. This was a good victory against a good team.”

In the closing minute of the first half, Simpson juggled a pass from Rivers, but did secure the catch. He reversed field, broke two tackles and turned on the jets for the game’s first touchdown. The play covered 45 yards and gave the Fort a 12-2 lead with 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

The Patriots added a 1-yard TD run by Blue for a 19-2 lead entering the final quarter. During the final 12 minutes, the Fort scored on a 14-yard run by Green and a 22-yard run by Blue.

Special teams also executed for the Patriots. Kicker Mario Marston hit field goals from 43 yards and 38 yards out plus three PAT kicks and after a punt was nearly blocked booted the ball 44 yards down field. Oliver and sophomore Mac Floyd both secured an Ashley Ridge onside kick. After Blue’s second TD run, Marston sent a pooch kick across midfield and sophomore Jaxson Ray grabbed it before any Ashley Ridge players could. That allowed the Patriots to run out the final 1:54 remaining on the game clock.

Big plays for Ashley Ridge included a safety by senior defensive end Pierce Gosser, an interception by sophomore linebacker Gram Ratliff, a 32-yard field goal by junior Wyatt Carter and a 50-yard TD pass from sophomore QB Jake Zamostny to senior receiver Josiah Mitchell.

The Swamp Foxes’ TD didn’t come until 3:37 remaining to play.

Zamostny completed more than a dozen passes in the second half to top the 150-yard passing mark. Starting QB Mason Crout completed multiple passes for more than 80 passing yards in the first half.

Ashley Ridge senior Jagger Spivey led all receivers with eight catches for just more than 100 yards.

 “We didn’t really synch on offense and no matter who was at quarterback they couldn’t get a good grove,” Tate said. “It was just one of those nights. I expect more, but we have more games to play this season so we have to find a way to bounce back.”

Both teams have region games Oct. 2. Ashley Ridge hosts Stall (2-3, 0-1). Fort Dorchester travels to James Island (5-0, 2-0).