Iron Horses shutout St. John's, record now 6-1

After suffering its first loss of the season two weeks ago, the Philip Simmons High School junior varsity team wanted a fast start in its game against the St. John’s Islanders. Javier Collins-Smith provided the spark, returning the opening kickoff 60 yards for a touchdown. The Iron Horses didn’t slow down the rest of the game as they posted a 42-0 victory.

“It was nice to start fast,” Iron Horse coach Eric Bendig said after his team improved to 6-1 on the season. “We wanted the ball. We weren’t exactly sure of what they would try on defense, so we wanted to test them. Javier took a short kick, made a man miss and ran it back. I loved the energy it created.”

The defense recorded the shutout after giving up 46 points the previous week to a fast and physical West Ashley team.

“They did a consistently good job of rallying to the football when we were on defense,” Bendig said. “It’s fun to watch them play with that much heart. Any time you get a shutout, it’s a great accomplishment. I’m proud they were able to accomplish it.”

Philip Simmons running back Solomon Bess led the offense with five carries and 98 yards. He scored two touchdowns and played in only the first half as Bendig had the opportunity to play everyone on the roster who was healthy.

Quarterback Omaro Asby threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to R.J. Watson. Asby carried three times for 29 yards and added another TD while backup quarterback Ian McCorkle also rushed for a touchdown.

The Iron Horses face Andrews on Thursday.

“That’s going to be a game,” Bendig said. “The varsity team has experienced some great success and the junior varsity has numerous talented players. They like to run the football. It’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be a good football game.”