ADEL – For the second straight week, Cairo sophomore running back Bryian Duncan ran wild on an opposing defense. For the second straight Friday night, it led to a win for the Syrupmakers.
A week after running for 300 yards in a win over Kathleen (Fla.), Duncan ran for 215 yards and three touchdowns against the Cook Hornets, powering the Syrupmakers to a 27-10 victory. The win improved the Syrupmakers’ record to 2-2, heading into their off week.
“We knew we had to find a way this week against a very good football team, and they did just that,” said Cairo head coach David Coleman. “We couldn’t be prouder of the fact that they found a way tonight.”
Cairo is off next week before starting Region 1-AAA play on September 27 at home against Bainbridge.
Duncan finished with touchdown jaunts of 76, 76 and 19 yards.
“He did a great job for us on both sides of the ball. He came in and played like a true warrior,” Coleman said. “The offensive line did a great job in front of him. He was able to get loose and get a couple of home runs. It was just a great thing to have.”
Duncan’s first touchdown scamper came late in the first half to give the Syrupmakers a 7-3 lead. The touchdown helped Cairo’s offense find traction after sputtering for most of the first half, having punted on its first three possessions. But the Syrupmakers responded with touchdowns on four of their next five drives to break open a close game.
“I would like to have seen us come out and play a little better early on, but that’s just a challenge for us as a young football team, getting better down the road,” Coleman said.
Cairo’s defense allowed its fewest points in a game this season. It did not allow a touchdown until the second half, and Tre’shaun Breland recorded an interception on Cook’s final drive of the night.
“They do a great job on offense, and our guys did a good job keeping most things in front of them, reading keys and getting hats to the football. We’ve got to grow that unit up every week, and tonight was a good step in the right direction,” Coleman said.