Taft falls to Washington, D.C. team

Taft falls to Washington, D.C. team
Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown
8:14 PM, Aug. 28, 2011 |

Thanks to:

Jason Williams
Enquirer contributor


The Knights Premiered in the 10th spot of the Wash Metro top 10 this week and posted an impressive win on Sunday in Ohio. The game was Friendship's first nationally televised appearance (ESPNU) and marks another big step for the Program.

The Entire Friendship "Family" wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone at ESPNU, the Kingsgate Marriot and Skyline Chilli for the invitation, hospitality and fabulous chilli.

The Senators, ranked ninth in the Enquirer Division II-VI coaches’ poll, most likely will not face a better team the rest of the regular season than the Washington D.C.-based school that has several big-time college prospects.

Taft went with sophomore DeAndre Smith as the starting quarterback. He threw two interceptions, but showed poise in leading the Senators on a late-game rally attempt.

Taft trailed 12-0 at halftime, and the Senators struggled to gain any momentum through 3½ quarters. But that changed when Smith connected with junior wide receiver Menlik Menefield on a 41-yard pass over the middle on fourth-and-22. That setup first-and-goal on the 6-yard line with 5:40 remaining in the game. Senior DeQuon Smith proceeded to score on a five-yard run.

Taft regained possession with nine seconds left. Smith connected with Menefield on a 15-yard pass to the Friendship 22-yard line. Then with one second left, an open Menefield had to make a diving catch at the 8-yard line as time expired.

Friendship opened the game with a nine-play, 59-yard drive, capped by Tim Brady’s eight-yard touchdown pass to West Virginia recruit Albert Reid with 6:58 left.
With four minutes remaining, star defensive end Adolphus Washington forced a fumble to setup Taft on the Friendship 46-yard line. But on the proceeding series, it became evident that Taft star wide receiver Dwayne Stanford faced a monumental challenge.

= = = Friendship Public Charter School is the District of Columbia’s largest community of public charter schools, serving nearly 4,000 students in grades pre-k to 12. Friendship succeeds in preparing a cross-section of children as scholars, workers and citizens on five school campuses. The mission of Friendship Public Charter School is to provide a world-class education that motivates students to achieve academic standards, enjoy learning and develop as ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens that contribute actively to their communities. To learn more about Friendship Public Charter Schools go to:http://www.friendshipschools.org/home/content.asp?section=our%20schools