The undefeated Washington-Liberty Generals continue to score big — and win.
Even with starting quarterback Matthew Abramson injured and sidelined for a good part of the showdown for first place in the Liberty District against the Marshall Statesmen, Washington-Liberty built a 28-0 lead and came out on top, 42-13, Oct. 10 at home.
The high-school football team improved to 7-0 and took over sole possession of first place with a 3-0 record. Marshall fell to 5-2, 2-1.
The last time the team was 7-0 was in 1956, when what then was known as Washington-Lee High School compiled a 10-0 regular-season record.
The Generals’ point total this season has been in the 40s for six games, and the squad scored 28 in the other, despite different offensive players in and out of the lineup at times.
“We’ve had some good depth this season, and that always is important,” Washington-Liberty coach Josh Shapiro said.
Against Marshall, Abramson left in the first half with concussion concerns, having completed 4 of 7 passes for 38 yards. He was replaced by Jackson Colgan, who completed 3 of 4 passes for 26 yards and two touchdowns.
Washington-Liberty relied more on the running game after Abramson’s exit, with the Generals amassing 303 rushing yards. Brayden Black was the leader with 179 yards and a touchdown. Anthony Louis rushed for 102 and three TDs. Abramson had 27 yards rushing and Ben Hughes 11.
One of Louis’ scoring runs was for 59 yards.
Jon Malatesta caught two passes for 21 yards and a score. Louis and David Toepel also had two catches each, with Toepel having a TD reception.
Louis has been new in the lineup the last couple of games, giving W-L more speed at the runningback position.
Felipe Dieguez booted six extra points. Washington-Liberty punted just once.
Marshall lost five fumbles and had 151 total yards.
“Our defense is playing well and we ran the ball well, so I knew we could win the game that way,” Shapiro said “We are pretty good up front on both lines.”
Hughes recovered two Marshall fumbles and made 14 tackles. Sean Guffey made 12 tackles, Maximus De La Vega made eight and Henry Cruz, Jackson Bolfek and Connor Hurren were other tackling leaders. Hurren, Louis and Zach Meehan also recovered fumbles.
Next on the schedule for the Generals is a home district game Oct. 25 against the McLean Highlanders (3-3, 0-2).
