The Taylor Ducks varsity football team’s comeback fell short Friday, Nov. 15, as it lost in the first round of the playoffs, 35-28, to the Somerset Bulldogs. The Ducks finished the season 5-6 overall and 5-1 in district play.
The Ducks struggled to start the game, as the offense failed to capitalize on opportunities, including dropping potential touchdown passes. Taylor’s defense also appeared overwhelmed, allowing the Bulldogs to score 28 points, including a pick-six thrown by senior quarterback Eli Laurence. Senior running back Andrias Fisher scored the Ducks’ lone first-half touchdown, making it 35-7 going into the third quarter.
Taylor looked like a completely different team in the second half scoring 21 unanswered points. Laurence fit the ball between two defenders, connecting with junior wide receiver Zavier Stokes to cut the lead to 35-14. Laurence also used his legs, running in a 5-yard touchdown to make it 35-21. Stokes caught his second touchdown of the night as the Ducks pulled within one score, 35-28.
Taylor’s defense had a chance to get the ball back after the Bulldogs fumbled but could not come up with it. The Ducks finally got off the field with a minute remaining, but that proved to be insufficient for the Taylor offense as the game ended on a hail-mary attempt that was intercepted as time expired.
Junior quarterback Kaleb Flores and junior running back Joe Torres led the Somerset offense as Flores accounted for 149 passing yards and a touchdown, while Torres tallied 140 rushing yards and two scores.
Taylor will enter next season needing to replace 20 starters from its roster, including Laurence and leading rusher Fisher, as it looks to return to the postseason and achieve greater success.
