St. Martin’s rides Berry, dominant ground game to win over Ben Franklin

METAIRIE – St. Martin’s Episcopal enjoyed a near perfect opening night Friday at Tony Porter Field.

The only thing that would have made their performance more commanding would have been shutting out Benjamin Franklin. However, an 18-yard rush from Theron Gross denied the Saints that achievement.

Still, the Saints dominated the proceedings en route to a 53-7 victory.

St. Martin’s got started quick, roaring to 36-0 lead in the first quarter behind an explosive ground game.

A 3-yard rush by Harlem Berry was followed by a two-point conversion pass by Ashton Oliver. Next it was Oliver rumbling for a 29-yard Score.

Berry, one of the nation’s top recruits. scored another touchdown via a 46-yard run.

Tyler Penny had an 18-yard score followed by another Berry touchdown on a 30-yard run.

The Saints extended their lead to 50-0 before halftime. Berry’s fourth touchdown on a 3-yard run was followed by a 24-yard touchdown run from Chris Profit-Cushenberry.

After the Falcons scored Gross’ run, the Saints added a 43-yard field goal from Cooper Helmke to cap the scoring.

The junior Berry finished with 121 yards on the ground and scoring four touchdowns (3 rushing; 1 punt return). He was absolutely unstoppable.

Berry credited the blocking of the offensive line and the receivers as key factors in his dominant performance.

Sophomore Noah Dunn ended with 54 rushing yards on the night. Profit-Cushenberry amassed 34 rushing yards and one touchdown.

The Saints quarterback Oliver threw for 100 yards and chipped in 29 rushing yards and a touchdown.

“Our passing game’s got to be better,” Saints head coach Kevin Dizer said. “Pass protection’s got to be better”.

The defense recovered two forced fumbles. Manny Bejaran had a sack for a loss of 12 yards.

Ben Franklin quarterback Noah “Finn” Tierney finished with 93 passing yards and 10 rushing yards. Gross had an efficient rushing night, carrying the ball for 120 yards.

On the defensive end for the Falcons, Abriel Stringfellow forced a fumble.

Both teams play next on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Ben Franklin will move on to play at Fisher while St. Martin’s visits Pope John Paul II.

Scoring Breakdown:

Ben Franklin. 0 0 7 0 – 7
St. Martin’s 36 14 0 3 – 53

Team Stats:

Ben Franklin
– 100 passing yards
– 21 rushing yards
– 122 receiving yards
– 1 touchdown

St. Martin’s
– 137 passing yards
– 215 rushing yards
– 121 receiving yards
– 7 touchdowns