Herndon defends coveted Baron Cameron Bowl
- The Reston Letter Staff
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
by McAllister Pearce-Biney, Student Writer
Herndon High School’s varsity football team started off the season slowly, with four straight losses. In their fifth game, they met their cross-town rivals in the annual Baron Cameron Bowl. The South Lakes Seahawks went in with a 3-1 record, ready to take the trophy back to South Lakes. The teams squared off at Herndon’s field on Oct. 4 in an afternoon game.
In a slow first quarter, Herndon's defense forced two turnovers, giving them more opportunities on offense. Quarterback Hayden Rita completed a 45-yard pass to Ethan Braxton, giving the Hornets momentum into the second quarter.
The second half was intense. It opened with a field goal by Ryan Quick, who added another in the third quarter. Both teams got into a scuffle and drew penalties, but Herndon's defense kept its composure, forcing South Lakes into mistakes. Late in the third, Rita completed a 60-yard touchdown pass to Braxton, pushing the Hornets ahead 13-6.
As the fourth quarter began, South Lakes clawed back, tying the game 13-13 after a rushing touchdown. But Herndon’s Timothy Fouche broke loose for a 62-yard touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion by David Castillo, giving the Hornets a 20-13 lead.
With just over a minute left, South Lakes answered with a 50-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 20-20 after the extra point. The stadium erupted as both crowds roared. But moments later, Rita threw an interception, stunning Herndon and firing up South Lakes fans.
Herndon's defense wasn’t done. Daniel McCollum pressured the quarterback into scrambling on third down, setting up a crucial interception by Xavier Carter that gave the Hornets one final chance.
With six seconds left, kicker Ryan Quick lined up for a 50-yard field goal. The crowd held its breath as the ball sailed through the uprights. Herndon erupted in celebration, defending the bowl in dramatic fashion.
