Photos from Wilson/Ballou

Two years straight H.D. Woodson and Dunbar have met in the DCIAA postseason. And for two years straight the Warriors have seen the same result as H.D. Woodson defeated the Crimson tide 26-7 in the DCIAA playoff semifinals . The win punches the Warriors ticket to the Turkey Bowl championship game for the third straight season.

H.D. Woodson’s offense jumped out on Dunbar from their opening possession and didn’t let up until the final whistle. The first play of the game wide receiver Alonzo Russell had his defender beat on a go route but the pass was just out of his reach.

A couple of plays later running back Dejohn Evans ripped off a 53-yard touchdown run up the middle. Thirty seconds into the game, the Warriors had a 7-0 lead.

A potent passing offense has been a staple of H.D. Woodson all season and Saturday’s game was no exception as senior quarterback Ricardo Young finished with 185 yards passing and three touchdowns, connecting on 11 of 17 attempts.

The Crimson Tide played single safety for much of the game, relying on their corners to play one on one against H.D. Woodson’s receivers.“Man I feel disrespected if I see single coverage; you’ve got to double me,” said Russell.

That coverage allowed Russell to turn slants up the middle into big gainers as he had touchdown receptions of 83 and 18 yards. He finished the game with seven catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

Down 14-0 in the first half, Dunbar made it a game by driving 65 yards for a score, cutting the Warriors lead in half. It was the last time the Crimson Tide offense saw the endzone. The Warriors defense held Dunbar’s two-headed rushing attack of Olu Izegqire and Vance Roberts to 154 yards on the ground.

The Ballou Knights won earlier in the day and await the Warriors in next week’s title game. The Knights were the only DCIAA team to beat H.D. Woodson this year. They won a defensive battle 14-8 in October.

“We lost to them earlier in the season. They are a good team, but we will come out prepared. My guys will follow my lead and we are going to finish the season strong” said Young.

This week the Warriors prevailed in what is becoming a storied rivalry. “Dunbar has been to the Turkey Bowl 12 straight years,” said Young. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, we knew we had to work hard. I told the fellas to follow my lead and I’ll take you there.”

Scoring Summary

First Quarter: Woodson Touchdown, (7-0)
54-yard run by Evans (Evans kick)

Second Quarter: Woodson Touchdown, 14-0
82-yard pass from Young to Russell (Jackson kick)

Second Quarter: Dunbar Touchdown, 7-14
11-yard run by Izegwire (Flores kick)

Fourth Quarter: Woodson Touchdown, 20-7
18-yard pass from Young to Evans (run failed)

Fourth Quarter: Woodson Touchdown, 26-7
19-yard pass from Young to Russell (run failed)

Game Stats

Rushing Leaders
Woodson: Evans 15-113, Herbert 9-58, Young 5-18
Dunbar: Roberts 14-80, Izegwire 13-74

Passing Leaders
Woodson: Young 12-17-201
Dunbar: Mathews 4-12-40

Receiving Leaders
Woodson: Russell 7-146, Evans 4-54
Dunbar: Izegwire 2-26, Roberts 2-14