By Sam Weiger / Contributor
After surpassing its victory total from last season in just three games, Episcopal School of Dallas had its winning streak abruptly stopped on Friday.
TAPPS powerhouse Fort Worth All Saints used a lockdown defense and powerful run game to defeat the Eagles 35-18 at Jones Family Stadium.
ESD looked very impressive out of the gate, thanks to the passing of Miles Link, who finished off the opening drive with a beautiful pass to Michael Chiste for a touchdown.
The Saints responded immediately, opening up the pass game with big runs from Bourke Toler. Gavin Beard capped off their first drive with a passing touchdown to Jaytn Briles for a 7-6 lead.
The Eagles (3-1) started the second quarter strong, with some clutch fourth-down conversions featuring standout plays from Link’s receivers. Link found William Elliott in the end zone for a 12-7 lead with just over 8 minutes left in the first half.
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However, the Saints (3-0) dialed up pressure on both sides of the ball midway through the second quarter. All Saints leaned on the ground game with impactful rushes by Toler and Beard. Toler punched in All Saints’ second touchdown to give the Saints the lead for good.
The heightened defensive pressure in the second quarter resulted in a Link interception deep in Eagles territory. Beard capitalized on the turnover, finding junior Gabe Starling for a score
After All Saints stopped the ESD offense for a second consecutive drive, the Saints bulldozed into the end zone for another rushing touchdown and a 28-12 halftime lead.
“I was really proud of the way our guys came out early,” ESD head coach Richard Williams said. “I felt like we just kind of got leaned on and worn out a little bit as the game went on.”
Toler ran right over ESD’s defense to open the third quarter, Beard capping off a four-minute drive with another touchdown pass to Starling.
Down 35-12, the Eagles responded with a Curtis Mathes touchdown reception. The Eagles fought for the entire fourth quarter, but Toler and Jourden Billings killed the clock with big runs, sealing the victory for the Saints.
“This game is important. It’s going to prepare us quite well for conference play,” said Williams, whose team will open SPC action on Oct. 3 at Bellaire Episcopal. “We get a week off to get some key guys healthy and learn from this, so I’ll think we’ll be just fine.”
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