Woodson, Friendship Serve Up a Classic

4th Down Pass Lifts The Warriors in OT

The Turkey Bowl is going to have a tough time topping this one.

Ricardo Young hit Dejohn Evans on a 10-yard screen pass on fourth down in overtime to give Woodson a stirring 36-28 victory over Friendship Collegiate in a game many were calling the de facto city championship game. Played at Eastern High, site of the D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association title contest each Thanksgiving, this game made a strong case for the District's public and charter schools to play in one league.

Woodson (3-3), the defending DCIAA champion, had heard plenty about Friendship (3-2), which had dominated city power Dunbar in the season opener.

"They thought they were the best in the city," said Young, a Virginia Tech recruit, "but you have to beat the champions to be the best."

Friendship took a 20-6 lead on the third play of the third quarter when Malcolm Crockett ran 60 yards for a touchdown on a third-and-one play.

Three minutes later, Young hit Alonzo Russell for a 26-yard touchdown pass, and the Warriors converted the two-point conversion to cut their deficit to 20-14. After Friendship fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Ronald Nicholson ran it in from one yard out four plays later. Another two-point conversion put Woodson ahead, 22-20.

Woodson's defense held, forcing a Friendship punt. The Warriors then drove 79 yards in 6 1/2 minutes before fumbling on the Knights 1-yard line. Tyrone Armstrong recovered at the 2 and Friendship had 9 minutes 47 seconds to score.

The Knights went on an 18-play drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Crockett on fourth and goal with 1:21 left. The two-point conversion gave Friendship a 28-22 lead.

Calm and smooth, Young led the Warriors back. He hit Russell on a 10-yard pass. Then, after Friendship was flagged for a horse-collar tackle, Young hit Renito Porter on a 31-yard pass. Three plays later, Young's three-yard touchdown pass to Darius Redman tied it with two seconds remaining. The Warriors were so thrilled to draw even they were flagged for an excessive celebration penalty, pushing their conversion attempt back to the 18-yard line, and they were unable to convert, forcing overtime.

Young began the extra period with three incomplete passes. Then, on fourth down, under pressure as he was for much of the night, Young found Evans in the left flat. He eluded two defenders, tiptoed the sideline and lunged for the touchdown.

"I just saw the back of the end zone," Evans said. "I didn't see anyone in front of me."

Young converted the two-point attempt on a naked bootleg.

Friendship came right back, and faced fourth down at the 1. The Knights went to Crockett off the left side, but a host of Warriors stacked him up, sealing the victory.

H.D. Woodson 36, Friendship Collegiate 28 Big-Time Player: After struggling for much of the first half, Woodson quarterback Ricardo Young completed 10 of 20 passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns after halftime. Big Time, Too: Friendship's Malcolm Crockett rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.