Clarksburg’s momentum may have been high after coming off a 27-8 victory in last’s week season opener against Churchill, but knew they’d have to bring their best when they hosted Sherwood Friday night, in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup.  The Coyotes could not keep the momentum from last week and lost at home falling 30-13.

   Unlike last week’s game, this week the Coyotes were coming in as the underdog.  The Warriors being projected to win the matchup.

   Clarksburg Head Coach Larry Hurd had said Sherwood was one of the most talented football teams he’d seen, and they proved to be just that.

   Senior Justin Parrales had an early 13-yard touchdown with 3:01 in the first half to give Clarksburg an early 7-3 lead, but Sherwood’s high-tempo offense was too much for the Coyotes to control. 

   The Coyotes had their hands full with Sherwood’s offense, led by West Virginia University commit Marcus Simms, who had a terrific night, grabbing four catches for 82-yards, a touchdown, and a touchdown pass.

   The Warriors went into halftime leading the Coyotes by two, leaving the second half wide open for both teams.

   Clarksburg’s offense struggled to efficiently move the ball only putting six points on the board in the second half. Senior quarterback Hunter Reimer had a quiet game this week. There was nothing Clarksburg could do about Sherwood’s up-tempo defense.

   Sherwood’s defense tamed the Coyotes offense,  forcing punt after punt. The Coyotes defense also struggled, allowing the Warriors to score on consecutive series in the second half. With less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter; Senior running back Stanley Perry gave the Coyotes some momentum with a 65-yard touchdown.

   Sherwood was coming off a 40-point scoring spree against Bethesda-ChevyChase last week, proved why they are a playoff contender. Junior Running back Travis Levy rushed 20 times for 98-yards helping Sherwood seal the deal.

   Clarksburg’s improving may have some adjustments to make to break out of the 4A North, but with Northwest losing to Seneca Valley, the division is still wide open. Friday’s loss might be the motivation for the Coyotes need to up their game. Clarksburg is home again against Bethesda-Chevy Chase next  Friday night.

Captions:

Top: Clarksburg senior quarterback Hunter Reimers (7) is pursued by Sherwood senior linebacker Robert Brown III (4) during last Friday’s game.

Next: Senior running back Javon Gordon (4) scampers for yards during Clarksburg’s 30-13 home loss to Sherwood last Friday night.

Photos by Ed Sheahin