By D. Matt Dale
MaxPreps.com
Sussex Central was the only team to beat Caesar Rodney this season, 22-7, back on Oct. 31. The Riders got the ultimate revenge Nov. 29 with a 26-13 win that brought the state championship to the Camden school.
The powerful and dynamic ground game that made CR such a force all season was on full display in the 13-point victory. Malcolm Yowk piled up impressive stats on offense, including 164 yards rushing on 18 carries, and scored twice – one rushing and one receiving.
Three other running backs (Daquan Harris, Duron Harmon, Joe Babuca) along with quarterback John Sclesky helped the Riders tally over 280 rushing yards against the Knights.
CR’s stout defense forced three fumbles and recovered two, including one in the fourth quarter that closed the door on the Knights.
It was the Riders ability to step up in clutch situations that gave them the edge over Sussex Central, as CR’s defense converted on 7-of-12 third downs while limiting Sussex Central to only 4 third-down conversions and 1-of-3 fourth-down conversions.
This marks the third time CR has won the state championship and the first time since 1990.
Football: Daquan Harmon Named State POY
Fresh off Caesar Rodney’s first state championship in 18 years, running back Duron Harmon was named the Gatorade the 2008-2009 Gatorade Delaware Football Player of the Year.
As a senior, Harmon ran for 1,126 yards and averaged 9.3 yards per carry. His 10 receptions for 281 yards, and team-high 20 touchdowns helped the Riders to a nearly flawless season.
Harmon also played safety and is verbally committed to Rutgers.
Football: Season Leaders
Scoring
Desmond Sivels (Sussex Tech) 158
Brandon Norwood (Newark) 150
Joe Hughes (Concord) 140
Jamaal Jackson (Hodgson) 130
Rushing Touchdowns
Brandon Norwood (Newark) 24
Desmond Sivels (Sussex Tech) 20
Tevin Jackson (Delmar) 19
Francis Drummond (Red Lion) 17
Tyler West (Laurel) 17
Passing Touchdowns
Malik White (Pencader) 23
Francis Drummond (Red Lion) 21
Chris Cruz (Glasgow) 19
Ryan McCarthy (Concord) 17
Receiving Touchdowns
Justin Brown (Concord) 10
Sean Hopkins (Sussex Central) 8
Darrell Miller-Smith (Pencader) 8
Brian Norman (Pencader) 8
