St, Johns Florida- Bartram Trail completed the perfect season Friday night, after defeating Mandarin 42-20. The Bears were led by a rushing attack by running back Arthur Lewis, Willie Bryant and Laython Biddle who combined for several rushing touchdowns in the game.
After a touchdown by Biddle opened the scoring in the game, freshman Arthur Lewis would take it in for another score to go up 14-0 in the second quarter. A fast start has been instrumental to Bartram’s success in the ladder part of their season.
After a Sergio Lanzas interception, Willie Bryant was up next as the senior scored on the ground to put Bartram on top 21-0. The Bears early on were taking advantage of the Mandarin rush defense, and shutting down the Mandarin vaulted pass offense. 247 Sports 4-star, and Duval Sports 5-star rated Sharif Denson led a stingy secondary, as he and his teammates pitched an early shutout.
Mandarin would make a game of it with two scores of their own. Quarterback Trammell Jones tossed a touchdown and after a 2-point conversion, the Mustangs trailed 21-8. Next, Deshard Wescott would take a screen pass from Jones and take it to the house bringing the score to 21-14 at halftime.
The Biddle-Bryant show would continue as Willie Bryant got the Bears into scoring position with a long run down inside the 5-yard line. Laython Biddle would punch it in giving Bartram a 28-14 lead in the third.
Mandarin responded when senior wide receiver Kieren Jackson scored on a touchdown pass, to put the Mustangs on the board trailing 28-20 in the third. Jackson is one of many talented wide receivers on the Mandarin roster, including 247 sports 5-star rated Jaime Ffrench. Ffrench and Denson was a fun matchup to watch in the regular season finale for both teams.
Bartram would pull away in the fourth quarter, as the offense took it to the next level. The Bears have done this all season, out scoring opponents 345-154. Laython Biddle would score twice more, making that four in the game for him.
Defense was the difference in the seconf half, holding Mandarin to just one score in the half. The 6’4, 260 pound Arion Stiff clogged the middle at defensive tackle Jack McCabe’s interception was one of these defining moments on defense that stopped a key drive and brought home the win for Coach Darrell Sutherland and crew.
Bartram trail concludes the regular season as the #1 team in Northeast Florida, district champions, and undefeated in a memorable 2022 regular season. Quarterback Ryan Trujillo reflected on the perfect regular season after the win.
They now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they attempt to make the push for their first championship in school history.
