Battling Bishops score victory over Battery Creek

The offensive game plan was dejá II.

 

Last week, the Bishop England Bishops walloped Academic Magnet, using a strong performance by an athletic quarterback, a powerful running game, and a super-stingy defense. It was more of the same in Week 3 as the Bishops traveled to Battery Creek and came away with a 21-7 victory.

 

Quarterback Eddie Marinaro completed 8 of 15 passing against the Dolphins for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Charlie Ranney had the best game of his young career, catching two passes for 75 yards and two scores.

 

Marinaro also was part of a potent running game, rushing 12 times for 66 yards and a score. All-state candidate Michael Long carried 14 times for 94 yards as the Bishops improved to 2-1 overall and 2-1 in Region 8-AAA.

 

But defense is what coach John Cantey wanted to talk about. The Bishops gave up only two big plays the entire night while recording four tackles for a loss and three quarterback sacks.

 

“I was really pleased by what we accomplished on defense,” Cantey said. “We pretty much stopped them the entire night except for one of two big plays. Our defense took it to the next level.”

 

Senior Matthew Champlin led the Bishops with 12 tackles including eight solo stops. Sophomore Markus Mauldin also had 12 tackles, including four solo. He recorded a tackle for a loss.

 

Michael Owens logged 10 tackles and forced a fumble while James Murphy picked off a pass and was credited with two tackles for a loss.

 

The Bishops made the most of their 261 yards in total offense. They took a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and were on top 14-7 at halftime.

 

The Bishops look for their third straight win with a road trip to North Charleston. The Cougars picked up their first win of the season in Week 3, posting a 50-14 decision over Academic Magnet.

 

Cantey is confident the Bishops can push their winning streak to three games. But he says the team can’t be looking ahead to Oct. 23 when it plays rival Hanahan. That game should decide the region’s second playoff qualifier.

 

Marinaro has completed 15 of 22 passes in the last two games and has accounted for six touchdowns, including four passing. Long just missed rushing for 100 yards for the second straight week. He had 93 yards on the ground last week.

 

Marinaro played wide receiver last fall but has settled in at quarterback.

 

“He’s been a model of consistency,” Cantey said. “He was too good of an athlete to keep off the field last year. He’s getting to the point where he’s comfortable leading the offense.”

 

Ranney, a 6-2, 175-pounder who has the potential to play at the next level, proved to be a big target against the Dolphins with two catches that both went for touchdowns, including a 51-yarder.

 

“He’s really solid,” Cantey said. “He’s athletic. He plays basketball too, and he starts both ways for us. He’s got 20 tackles on defense. He’s versatile and very coachable.”