The rain and mud were challenges on Thanksgiving, but the Archbishop Ryan offense handled them well.
The Raiders controlled the ball on the ground and didn’t commit any turnovers en route to a 21-6 victory over George Washington at Mickey Young Memorial Stadium.
“I’m proud of the guys. I’m proud of the seniors, especially, on their four-year journey,” said Ryan coach Mark Ostaszewski.
Ryan leads the rivalry 38-10-1, including a 36-10-1 record on Thanksgiving. The Raiders have won the last four meetings and 12 of the last 13.
Ryan, the Catholic League Blue Division champion, scored on its first possession, with quarterback Frankie Mawson running in from 4 yards out.
Washington answered with a 3-yard touchdown run from Patrick Wright, but a botched extra point gave Ryan a 7-6 lead after one quarter. The score remained the same at halftime.
Ryan took a 14-6 lead late in the third quarter on a 1-yard TD run by Hugh Owens.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Mawson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Damien Morgan to make it 21-6. For Morgan, it was his 11th touchdown catch of the year, setting a school record.
Washington drove inside the Ryan 5-yard line, but Austin Lyons intercepted a pass on fourth down to basically clinch the victory.
Wright carried 10 times for 110 yards for the Eagles.
“We busted a couple big ones, but we couldn’t get traction on the ground,” said Washington coach Austin Brasche.
Christon Mitchell-Brown led Ryan with 25 carries for 125 yards. Mawson added 46 yards on 10 carries, as Ryan counted on its running game in the mud.
“Everyone who got the ball put their head down and got as many yards as they could,” Mawson said.
Carter Buccello made all three extra point tries for Ryan, including one pushed back five yards for a penalty, despite kicking in the mud.
Both teams ended the season 7-4. ••
