Undefeated Warriors Tackle Their Way to States

by Alex Le ‘17

Going into the fourth quarter, down 10-7, the Warriors found themselves in an unfamiliar position. With BCC dominating the time of possession, the referees throwing flags against the Warriors seemingly every other play, and the Sherwood offense struggling to convert on third down, things seemed bleak. With state championship aspirations, a loss in the first game of the season to a mediocre team such as BCC would be devastating. With their backs against the wall and momentum against them, the Warriors turned it on.

Two interceptions led to a 20-0 fourth-quarter shutout, a 27-10 victory, and a showcase of Warrior football at its best.

Behind the senior star running back Travis Levy, the Warriors have played each ensuing game with the same fire and tenacity that the team showed in that fourth quarter. Sherwood thwarted the likes of Clarksburg, Magruder, and Springbrook, averaging a 36-point margin of victory. The Warriors currently stand at 6-0 after thrashing Northwood 76-20 on October 7.

“I really like the competitive nature of this team,” said Coach Chris Grier. “We have a bunch of players that love to compete …We expect to have a chance to win our division, make the playoffs, and make a run at a state championship.”

Their first real test of the season came on September 30 against the Northwest Jaguars. In a rainy, back and forth game consisting of break-out runs from Levy and senior fullback Nick Comeau, the deciding factor was the Warriors’ defense.

Early in the fourth quarter, Northwest fumbled a snap in their end zone. The Warrior defense immediately pounced on the ball for a defensive touchdown, and more importantly, a 21-13 lead. The defense continued to step it up. They stopped the Jaguar offense once more, and entrusted the offense to close the game.

With momentum on their side, Levy and junior quarterback Michael Mbony led the offense down the field, where Comeau had a breakout long run to beat Northwest 28-13.

After the blowout win against Northwood, the Warriors find themselves undefeated, just like they were last season. Despite the similar record, the Warriors are a different type of team this year.
“We had to replace some serious playmakers [quarterback Shawn Bliss and wide receiver Marcus Simms], but with guys like [juniors] Michael Mbony and Jarvis Tillman I think we’ve found some answers,” said Grier.

Tillman, a wide receiver, has become the main option of the Warriors’ passing game and Mbony, a mobile quarterback, “has been vital to take attention away from Travis Levy and our wide receivers,” said Grier.

But Levy remains the heart and soul of this Warrior team. Arguably the best player in Montgomery County, Travis is averaging a whopping 180 yards per game and is currently number two all-time for Sherwood in rushing yards. With Levy leading the strong offensive line, the running game has become the Warriors’ bread and butter.

The fire and intensity present in the fourth quarter vs. BCC has become Warriors’ norm. If they continue to improve every game, a state title is a legitimate possibility.