Saunders intercepts S. River, leads Annapolis

With Annapolis in win-or-else mode, every play is important and gaining momentum early in its last three games will be key.

The Panthers did just that, as Kendall Saunders recorded the first of three interceptions on the third play of the game, leading a balanced effort on both sides of the ball in a 37-14 win over South River last night.

Saunders had two picks in the first half and another in the second to pace the Annapolis defense, which gave up one touchdown after a blocked punt put the ball on the 1-yard line and contained the Seahawks for the better part of the game.

"Jesse Holian is their main receiver, so we moved Kendall onto him as soon as we could," Annapolis coach Brian Brown said. "We wanted our best corner on their best receiver, and he was up to the challenge."

Saunders' first pick led to a 5-yard touchdown run by Brandon Johnson on the Panthers' first offensive series. South River, unable to move the chains offensively, got back into the game through special teams. A Joe Long blocked punt was followed three plays later by Blane Kleinrichert's 2-yard touchdown run. The Seahawks' workhorse finished with 90 yards on 27 carries.

South River had no time to enjoy the momentum shift, as Lamont Smith took the ensuing kickoff to the Seahawk 15. Demond Brown, who finished with 93 yards on 17 carries, scored two plays later from 11 yards out.

"We were talking today about making key blocks and staying with them and double-teaming when we need to and picking up the linebacker when we need to," Annapolis offensive lineman Austin Hochman said. "Demond takes the ball and runs as hard as he can through the holes we create."

Smith scored from one yard out to give the Panthers a 21-7 advantage on the next drive, but the Seahawks got within a touchdown on their next series when Shane Lee concluded a 15-play, 71-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Holian.

South River recovered an onside kick, but Saunders grabbed his second interception to close the half.

"I knew that they were going to pick on me. It was going to come to a pass sooner or later, and I just kept my head on the ball," Saunders said. "In the defensive backfield, we always keep our heads up looking for the ball, and it worked out for me tonight."

Annapolis came out strong to start the second half, going 54 yards on eight plays, concluding with Johnson's 21-yard touchdown toss to Terrance Wright. Johnson uses his diminutive frame to his advantage on play-action passes.

"Being short is a plus for him. When he puts the football on his hip, our linemen are engaged and their defenders cannot see the ball. He is a savvy veteran," Brian Brown said. "We preach, preach, preach coming out of the locker room to either get the score or get them to go three-and-out to gain the early momentum. We did a good job of that in both halves."

The Panthers kept the foot on the gas pedal offensively, scoring 16 third-quarter points, highlighted by Joshua Kohut's 7-yard touchdown run and a 26-yard field goal by Daniel Varn. Johnson found Brown on a key 46-yard screen pass that changed fields and set up Kohut's score.

Kohut collected 71 yards on eight carries.

South River (3-5) 7 7 0 0 - 14

Annapolis (6-2) 14 7 16 0 - 37

First Quarter

ANN - Johnson 4 run (Varn kick)

SR - Kleinrichert 2 run (Koepping kick)

ANN - Brown 11 run (Varn kick)

Second Quarter

ANN - Smith 1 run (Varn kick)

SR - Holian 15 pass from Lee (Koepping kick)

Third Quarter

ANN - Wright 21 pass from Johnson (Varn kick)

ANN - Kohut 7 run (kick failed)

ANN - Varn 26 field goal

PASSING: SR - Lee 4-13-1-3=50 yards; ANN - Johnson 3-7-1-0=76 yards; RECEIVING: SR - Holian 2-53-1; ANN - Brown 1-46, Wright 1-21-1; RUSHING: SR - Kleinrichert 27-90-1; ANN - Brown 17-93-1, Kohut 8-71-1.