Neuhoff, Lions Shut Out Greenhill
(Paxton Scott caught two first-half touchdown passes for St. Mark’s during a 39-0 win over Greenhill in an SPC game on Friday. Photo: Rob Graham)
By Michael Finnegan / Special Contributor
Colin Neuhoff threw for 147 yards and three touchdowns to lead St. Mark’s to a 39-0 victory over winless Greenhill in an SPC rivalry game on Friday at Brinkmann Field.
After blocking a punt on the first Greenhill possession, the Lions (4-3) didn’t waste much time capitalizing. Two plays later, Neuhoff found Paxton Scott in the corner of the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.
Neuhoff and Scott connected again in the second quarter, this time on a 10-yard crossing pattern to increase the lead to 14-0.
“Colin is back to 100 percent after suffering a concussion a couple of weeks ago,” said St. Mark’s head coach Bart Epperson. “He threw the ball exceptionally well.”
The Greenhill defense kept the score close through most of the contest, but four turnovers and a stagnant rushing game were too much to overcome. The Hornets (0-8) were held to just four rushing yards on the evening.
“It’s encouraging to see how in the face of adversity we didn’t give up,” said Greenhill head coach Casey Selfridge. “We’ll regroup and come back strong next week.”
Colin Campbell’s 22-yard field goal at the start of the second half capped a 73-yard drive, and Jonathan Taylor’s 9-yard touchdown run at the start of the fourth quarter put the Lions in front 29-0.
Taylor led all rushers with 105 yards on 20 carries. Neuhoff also ran for 42 yards on nine attempts.
Backup quarterback Matthew Epperson played most of the final quarter, and his 2-yard touchdown run up the middle gave St. Mark’s a 36-0 advantage.
“This is a rivalry game, so you can throw the records out the window,” said Epperson, in his 12th year at the helm for the Lions. “We came in prepared and there’s a still a slight chance we can sneak into the playoffs.”
A bright spot for the Greenhill offense was the play of quarterback Angelo Drossos. Under heavy pressure for most of the night, the junior completed 18 passes for 129 yards
After their second shutout of the year, he Lions will conclude the regular season by hosting ESD next week in another rivalry game. The Hornets will wrap up the season next week at Oklahoma City Casady.
