Sussex Central Starts Second Half with Successful Fake Punt, but loses to Salesianum, 31-7

Sallies (2-2) scored 21 second half points to defeat Sussex Central (2-2) in the teams first matchup since Salesianum’s victory in the DIAA Semifinals last season.

By Ryan Colasanti

WILMINGTON — Sussex Central lined up in punt formation on their own side of the field trailing Salesianum by ten early in the third quarter. The Golden Knights appeared ready to punt the ball away after their first drive of the second half was halted by the Sallies defense. Instead, the snap went directly into the hands of senior William Harmon, shocking the Salesianum special teams unit.

Harmon flew down the right side of the field all the way to the Salesianum 24 yard line before he was taken down by a few Sallies defenders. The fake punt paid off a few plays later when senior quarterback Josiah Cannon connected with Harmon down the right sideline for a 20-yard score to draw within three points. That’s the closest the score would be the rest of the night.

Sallies scored 21 unanswered points following the Golden Knights’ successful third quarter drive defeating Sussex Central, 31-7, Friday night at Abessinio Stadium.

Sallies’ defense was strong throughout the evening holding a powerful Golden Knight offense under 30 points for the first time this season. Sallies was able to slow down Sussex Central’s mighty running game and force a couple of turnovers to earn their first regular season victory over Sussex Central since 2021.

One of those turnovers was a pick six from junior Jett Healy that he ran back 28-yards for his second of two touchdowns in the game. Healy’s pick six occurred with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter capping off a streak of three straight drives ending with Salaesianum points.

Healy’s first touchdown of the game started the scoring streak.

Following the Golden Knights score at the start of the third quarter, Sallies began their drive at their own 38 yard line. Salesianum marched down the field all the way to the Sussex two yard line where Healy took a wildcat snap into the endzone to restore Sallies’ lead to ten.

EstherVell Cotton followed Healy on Sallies next offensive possession, running outside the right tackle for a 23-yard score in the fourth quarter. Senior Devin Hasan was the only other Sallies player to record a touchdown catching a nine yard throw from quarterback Brady Nabb on Salesianum’s first possession of the game.

Sallies’ win boosts their record to .500 after a couple tough losses to two out-of-state powerhouses in LaSalle College High School and Malvern Prep High School. Sallies is undefeated this season when playing in state competition, beginning the year with a win over Red Lion.

Sussex Central’s loss is its second in as many games. The Golden Knights started the year with two straight victories over West Philadelphia High School in Pennsylvania and Woodbridge, but lost to Hodgson a week ago. The road doesn’t get easier for the Golden Knights as they head home for a matchup with Middletown next week.

Sallies’ next game will be another class 3A matchup against Smyrna next Saturday. That game will be played at the University of Delaware.