Smyrna outscores Caesar Rodney in 54-20 win

Smyrna Eagles Kahmaj Kearney runs after a catch, photo courtesy of Donnell Henriquez

The Smyrna Eagles used a potent passing attack to secure their opening District 2 game of the season in a 54-20 victory at Caesar Rodney Saturday. Senior Jacob Tiberi and freshman Drew Marks combined for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns while Kahmaj Kearney rushed for 3 scores and 3 two-point conversions.

The Eagles raced out to a 16-0 lead on their first 2 possessions of the day before the Riders could get on the “board” on a two-yard run by Sincere Wright. A 23 yard pass from Tiberi to Andre Ashley gave Smyrna a 22-6 lead after the first quarter. Ashley ended the game with 4 receptions for 115 yards as 7 different players caught passes for the Eagles.

The home team Riders fought gallantly in the second quarter, scoring on a “fourth and goal” pass from Julius Timmons to John Case, and a quarterback keeper by Timmons to cut Smyrna’s lead to 30-20 with less than two minutes to go in the half. However, it took the Eagles less than a minute to score again on a 67 yard pass from Tiberi to Ashley. The halftime score was Smyrna 38-20.

Neither school’s marching band attended the game due to the threat of rain. Although it hardly rained at all in the opening half, the weather turned into a downpour in the final half. Caesar Rodney observed Opioid Awareness during the half with a visit from Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Hall-of-Fame NFL player Randy White. White played his high school ball at McKean.

The second half featured two more Smyrna touchdowns as Marks passed to Phoenix Henriquez for 33 yards as he made a fantastic “over-the-shoulder” catch for the touchdown. Senior running back Dior Mackey scored the final touchdown to make the score 54-20.

The Eagles rushed for 107 yards with Mackey gaining 24 and Tim Yancey adding 20 yards. Tiberi completed 9 of 11 passes for 203 yards, while Marks connected on 8 of 10 attempts for 144 yards. The Eagles improved to 2-4 with the win and will host Dover next Friday for homecoming.

Caesar Rodney quarterback Timmons passed for 217 yards and a touchdown. The Riders fall to 0-6 and travel to Cape Henlopen next week.