Robbinsdale Armstrong's Seth Newbern (8) celebrates with teammates in the end zone during the Falcons' 42-7 victory, earning a Class 5A, Section 5 championship. Photo by Aiyanna Taylor, SportsEngine
Struggling with mental lapses and crippling penalties after one half of play against school district rival Robbinsdale Cooper, Robbinsdale Armstrong returned to their halftime break reeling.
Falcons coach Jack Negin colorfully gave his team a clear message to clean things up. An hour or so later, the message proved to be well-received and delivered upon in the form of a 42-7 victory for the Class 5A, Section 5 championship.
“This was mental,” Negin said. “We played about as bad as we can possibly play, and it’s 7-7 and we’re getting the ball back to start. With all our blunders, you can’t ask for a better opportunity.”
Robbinsdale Armstrong's defensive line fights to keep Robbinsdale Cooper out of the end zone. The Falcons held the Hawks to a single touchdown in the 42-7 victory on Friday night. Photo by Aiyanna Taylor, SportsEngine
Robbinsdale Armstrong downed their school district rival Robbinsdale Cooper 42-7 to capture the Class 5A, Section 5 championship Friday night in Plymouth.
Following an early special teams breakdown that Robbinsdale Cooper capitalized on to take a 7-0 lead, the Falcons strung together 42 unanswered points to work their way past a team they defeated by more than 50 points earlier in the season.
Tied 7-7 at the half, the second half belonged entirely to the Falcons.
Senior quarterback Jamen Malone accounted for three touchdowns, one on the ground and two through the air, while completing 10 of 20 pass attempts for 214 yards. On the ground, he racked up 74 yards and one score on 10 carries. Falcons running back Reggie Carter rushed for three touchdowns and 220 yards on 25 attempts, including four runs of 20 yards or more. Providing balance to the attack, Marquan Tucker caught four passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, including a 51-yard touchdown that got the Falcons going.
Hawks running back DaNari Connors, the team’s leading rusher with more than 1,200 yards on season, carried the ball 17 times for 135 yards. LSU recruit Jaxon Howard finished with a receiving touchdown and eight total tackles.
Robbinsdale Armstrong advances to the state tournament for the first time since 2003.
Armstrong's Reggie Carter (22) outruns Robbinsdale Cooper's defense, scoring for the Falcons in the second half. Photo by Aiyanna Taylor, SportsEngine
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