-Mount Carmel hosted Annapolis Area Christian at the first game at Renaissance Park-
Mount Carmel Football is off to a good start after defeating Annapolis Area Christian 34 to 0 in their new home.
The Essex high school moved its home games from Chase to the newly renovated Renaissance Park next to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel campus. Courtney Bridget has been the school’s coach for four years and he is proud that his players got to experience a home game.
“Very blessed to be able to walk across the parking lot to play our home games. This is the first time our kids have had the opportunity to truly play a home game. The atmosphere was electric so super pumped moving forward hosting games here,” Bridget said.
Junior running back Jayvon Burrus made history as he scored the first touchdown at Renaissance Park. He had two touchdowns and 138 yards.
The Cougars offense started off strong. They were led by Quarterback Gavin Harrison who had 260 total yards with three touchdowns.
Harrison had a three-yard touchdown run and connected with senior Samuel Hodge on a 70-yard touchdown catch for a 20 to 0 halftime lead.
Hodges had six catches on the night with 158 yards and two touchdowns.
That was all the defense needed. Junior defensive back Dylan Holly had four tackles, one interception and two pass break ups to help preserve the shutout.
“Happy with the win. We expected to come out and dominate from the first whistle to the last. Excited for our kids, our school and community,” Bridget added.
“It was an amazing atmosphere, first home game on the new field to open the season. I couldn’t ask for much more.”
Mount Carmel improves to 1-0 and will play at Bishop Ireton next week.
“Our motto is W.I.N. which stands for What’s Important Now. Our focus is on enjoying this win for 24 hours and flushing it. From there the focus shifts to a tough Bishop Ireton team we play on the road in Alexandria, VA next Saturday,” said Bridget.
