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The Taylor Ducks (1-4) defeated the New Manor Tech Titans (1-4) 44-14 for their win of the season after dropping its first four games.
After allowing a 50-yard touchdown pass on the Titans’ first play from senior quarterback Christian Salazar to junior wide receiver Leon Walls, the Ducks received a wake-up call. Freshman quarterback Johnny Guzman started for Taylor but was quickly replaced by senior tight end/all-purpose player Eli Laurence after Guzman struggled with three fumbles on the first drive.
The Taylor defense stepped up, forcing two three-and-outs. A muffed punt by Manor set up the Ducks’ offense with a first-and-goal opportunity. Senior running back Andrias Fisher ran it in for a 2-yard touchdown, and Taylor converted a two-point attempt to take the lead, 8-7, in the first quarter.
Taylor sparked the second quarter as Fisher scored another rushing touchdown, followed by another successful twopoint conversion to extend the lead to 16-7. Manor continued to have mishaps, fumbling on their 30-yard line, which was recovered by senior safety Triston Vega, setting up Taylor’s offense in great field position.
Guzman returned to lead the offense, resulting in the Ducks’ third rushing touchdown, this time scored by Guzman. Senior kicker Miguel Morales successfully converted an extra point, stretching the lead to 23-7 midway through the second quarter. Laurence then returned to quarterback, throwing his first touchdown pass of the game to senior wide receiver/ cornerback Jemarcus Seawood, along with another successful twopoint conversion, making the score 31-7.
Manor’s offense continued to struggle after that initial touchdown pass, and Fisher scored his third rushing touchdown of the game, bringing the score to 37-7 after a failed twopoint conversion to end the first half.
The Ducks came out of halftime with their foot still on the Titans’ necks, as Laurence continued to orchestrate the offense, running in for a touchdown to extend the lead to 44-7. Manor’s first drive of the second half looked promising but ended with their second fumble of the game, which was scooped up by the Ducks. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Pachicano replaced Laurence for the remainder of the game with the lead feeling secure.
The fourth quarter saw the clock drain down, culminating in a late Titans rushing touchdown by freshman Daevion Lewis, ensuring a 44-14 Duck victory. The Ducks will return to play at home and continue district play against Austin Achieve High School. Kickoff between Taylor High School and Austin Achieve High School is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Taylor Stadium in Taylor, Texas.
