By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
The 53rd Annual Soul Bowl Saturday featured unbeaten rivals led by playmaking quarterbacks, but despite dynamic performances, Booker T. Washington’s Devion Stewart and Green Oaks’ Javontaye Dean didn’t decide the outcome.
The Giants’ defensive line did.
Green Oaks kept steady heat on Stewart long after the sun dipped behind the west hillside harboring the home grandstand at BTW’s Leonard C. Barnes Stadium. With the game on the line in the final minute, as the Lions aimed for a tying two-point conversion with 34 seconds left, the Giants’ defensive front made the game-winning play in a 20-18 triumph.
The decisive moment came with a twist. BTW coach Gary Cooper opted for a halfback pass, but the Giants’ frontmen blew in over the left side and tackle Rodrecouis Ellis snagged Vincent Blake Jr. by the hip, twirling him almost in a circle trying for the tackle.
As he was tumbling to the ground, Blake somehow managed to get off a sidearm toss that fluttered into the end zone, where Ladarian Banks Jr. was moving toward the corner, unguarded. Blake’s flip floated a yard or so too far, hit the turf and with 34 seconds left, all that was left was the green and gold dance party.
Green Oaks was 3-0 after the first Soul Bowl between unbeatens in 46 years, and coach Nick Peoples couldn’t have been more proud – or relieved. As the two-point play unfolded, his composure had melted.
“I thought we made the play, but they were about to make a play and then unfortunately they did make a play and we made the play,” he said. “There was an up and down. My hat was on, and I took my hat off, and now I’ve put it back.”
Getting pressure on BTW’s Stewart was a vital part of the Green Oaks game plan. It was accomplished, although he still managed to go 15 of 23 for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
“That was the expectation. We put a lot on those guys throughout the week. We just tried to make him a mobile passer,” said Peoples. “Devion is a very, very great quarterback, a guy that can sling it. He can sit back there and just pick a defense apart. If you don’t have a good D-line to come through and make big plays for you, then you’re gonna have a long night.”
Senior defensive end Jakerrious Smith led the invasion of the Lions’ backfield harassing the elusive Stewart.
“It’s a team thing. It’s not just me. It’s a team thing,” he said after his third three-sack game.
The showdown would have filled the stadium if most of the tailgaters outside settled into the stands. As halftime neared, a long line stood patiently hoping to get in to at least see the bands perform.
Those already in the stands or watching on the north side on the fence or on the hill filled with tailgating tents didn’t see much offense. The best movement going to the third quarter was by the BTW drum major.
Soon after, the Lions roared to life, taking their first series 79 yards, 51 on a Stewart to Kendrell Johnson connection to the Green Oaks 19. A 6-yarder to Layton Brown put BTW ahead 12-6, but a two-point conversion failed.
The Giants regained the lead for good three plays later, on Dean’s 47-yarder down their sideline to Soul Bowl MVP Tony Johnson Jr. and a two-point completion to Jamarcus Hooper for a 14-12 edge.
They took most of the fourth quarter on a drive that stretched 78 yards officially, but required overcoming 40 yards in penalties. After more than seven minutes, highlighted by Johnson’s leaping, contested, bobbling-to-the-ground grab for 34 yards to the BTW 16, Green Oaks padded its lead just enough when Dean bootlegged left and fought through Lions to score with 4:23 left.
Stewart led a determined response, running for the final 37 yards to present BTW with the game-tying opportunity. His 5-yarder over the right side capped a 68-yard, 11-play drive interrupted briefly by the only fracas between the rivals. Anger subsided as officials called offsetting penalties, giving way to the intense finish.
Along with running for two scores, Dean threw for 271 yards on 12 of 16 accuracy, connecting with Johnson five times for 139 yards. As he stood with his brother and his cousin in the aftermath, the joy poured out.
“It’s a great feeling, a very great feeling to do this with these guys,” said Dean, “to go 3-0 and win the Soul Bowl two years in a row.”
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com