Page pulls away in second half to win 31-19 over Mount Tabor
from Mike Fanning, with GreensboroSports.com
Under the lights of Marion Kirby Stadium, the Page Pirates battled the elements and the Mount Tabor Spartans, emerging with a hard-fought 31-19 victory in their week three matchup. The late-summer heat, with kickoff temperatures hovering around 85 degrees and feeling even hotter on the artificial turf, was a factor for both teams.
After a forced punt on their opening drive, Page’s special teams came up big, pinning the Spartans deep on their own 9-yard line. The stout Pirate defense held Mount Tabor to a quick three-and-out, giving the offense excellent field position at the Tabor 35. A few plays later, quarterback Anthony Johnson found a streaking Kasai Poindexter for a 28-yard receiving touchdown, putting Page on the board with a 7-0 lead and 5:38 remaining in the first quarter.
Mount Tabor responded with a methodical drive, showcasing their resilience by converting two fourth downs. However, the Page defense held strong in the red zone, forcing a missed 24-yard field goal attempt and preserving the Pirates’ lead. The middle of the first half turned into a defensive struggle, with both teams trading punts on consecutive three-and-outs.
Page’s offense found its rhythm late in the second quarter, orchestrating an impressive 85-yard touchdown drive. The march was capped off by a highlight-reel 22-yard touchdown run from Jabari Johnson, Jr. The junior back weaved and twisted his way through the Spartan defense, pushing the Page lead to 14-0 as the teams headed to the locker room for halftime.
The Spartans delivered a stunning blow to start the second half. It took just 10 seconds as CoMaurey Harvey took the opening kickoff 70 yards to the house, electrifying the Mount Tabor sideline and shrinking the deficit to 14-7. But that was as close as the Spartans would get.
Page quickly answered, with kicker Graham Hernandez connecting on a 33-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7. The Pirates continued to add, as Anthony Johnson showcased his dual-threat ability with a 10-yard touchdown run on their next possession, making it 24-7. Johnson wasn’t done for the night, connecting with Christopher Armstrong for his third touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter.
Mount Tabor managed to score twice in the final frame, but the Pirates were firmly in control, cruising to the 31-19 final. The Page offense was a model of balance, with multiple quarterbacks taking snaps and a committee of running backs contributing to the ground attack. Jamari Johnson led the way with 54 yards, followed by Poole (41 yards), Sesley (37 yards), and Anthony Johnson (47 yards and a rushing touchdown). Marqui Lynch had 74 yards receiving and Kasai Poindexter added 44 and a touchdown. The heat was a factor as multiple players for both teams struggled with cramping in the second half. The game time went past three hours as players in the second half were needing medical attention.
With the win, Page improves to 2-1 while they head into the bye, while Mount Tabor drops to 0-3.