The Taylor Ducks varsity football team enters its bye week on a three-game winning streak and remains undefeated in district play.
The Ducks began the season with four straight losses in nondistrict matchups, plagued by turnover issues that led to double-digit giveaways. Offensive struggles also mounted as the team rotated between senior all-purpose player Eli Laurence, sophomore Caleb Pachienco and freshman all-purpose player Johnny Guzman at the quarterback position in search of consistency.
Fortunately for Taylor, Laurence has emerged as the solution, solidifying his role as the starting quarterback and leading the Ducks to consecutive victories over Manor New Tech, Austin Achieve and Northeast Early College High School. Laurence has passed for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
His primary targets have been senior wide receiver Jamarcus Seawood and freshman rising star wideout Damien Calico. Seawood has recorded 323 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while Calico has added 285 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Senior running back Andrias Fisher has led the Ducks’ ground game with 667 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. His standout performance came against Northeast Early College, where he ran for 270 yards and four touchdowns.
Defensively, the Ducks struggled early in the season, allowing an average of 38.75 points per game. However, the unit has made significant strides, giving up just 14 points over the last three games, including two shutouts against Austin Achieve and Northeast Early College.
Senior defensive tackle Kaddy Maravilla has been a disruptive force, accumulating 41 tackles, including 12 for loss. Junior linebacker Stephen Rogers and senior linebacker Matt Rangel have also made key contributions, with Rogers tallying 58 tackles and Rangel amassing 42.
Taylor will aim to extend its winning streak when it resumes play on Friday, Oct. 25, hosting Eastside Early College at 7:30 p.m.
