Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE — The Bristol Warriors started slow Friday night, giving up touchdowns on Morrisville's first two drives and watching Bulldogs running back Raymond Holman break the school career rushing record.
But the night ended up perfectly for the Warriors. They scored touchdowns on four consecutive possessions to beat the Bulldogs, 25-14, capture the Bicentennial Athletic League championship and defeat archrival Morrisville for the 24th time in a row.
"It was just a minor setback," Bristol junior quarterback/defensive back Brady Slate said of his team's early 14-0 deficit. "We just made adjustments. We know what we have. We know what this game means."
Holman, a senior, rushed 15 times for 89 yards and finished the night with 3,959 career rushing yards to break the school record held by Juan Jones (3,915 yards). Holman, who hopes to play at Morgan State, almost had the record twice, but there were holding penalties on both plays. He set the record on a 4-yard run in the second quarter on a play in which he was shaken up. The game was not stopped to honor him and no announcement was made at the time.
"I'm not really worried about records," Holman said afterward. "I'm worried about winning. It hurts for the team, the seniors, everybody."
Holman carried the ball only 15 times and was used as a decoy sometimes. Morrisville is more concerned with next Friday's District One Class A championship game against Jenkintown.
"Next week is the big game," said Bulldogs coach Mitch Cohen. "We need him next week against Jenkintown."
The Warriors were happy with how they fared against Holman and the rest of the Morrisville offense.
"He has electric speed, but I think we did a decent job with him," said Bristol coach Mike Ciotti. "No. 7, their quarterback (Ky'iere Rankins), is a terrific player, too."
"He's a good runner," Slate said of Holman, "but our defense as a whole plays together."
Cohen figured Bristol would try hard to stop Holman. "He's our workhouse," he said. "They were keying on him, putting eight in the box."
Morrisville (8-2 overall, 1-2 BAL) will be home again next Friday.
A victory over Jenkintown would give the Bulldogs their second district title in a row. "The school has never won back-to-back district championships," Cohen said.
If the Bulldogs win, they'll be home the following Friday against District 12's Belmont Charter. Bristol (7-1, 3-0 BAL) will also play next Friday for the District One Class 2A crown against visiting New Hope-Solebury.
A victory would likely lead to a game against District 12's Lansdale Catholic or West Catholic.
"The playoffs mean a lot," Slate said. "We're going to come out and fight."
"We saw New Hope earlier. I think if we play the way we did tonight, I feel confident in our guys," Ciotti said.
Morrisville's scores came on a 9-yard pass from Rankins to Alex Brown and a 2-yard run by Izire Caraway.
Bristol scored on a 5-yard run by Slate, a 3-yard run by Braylen Williams, Slate's 31-yard pass to Kyleal Cottrell (brother of former Bristol star Kendell Cottrell) and a 10-yard run by Trae Anthony.
Bristol had two interceptions, by Kyree Williams and Qayim Newsuan. Newsuan also forced a fumble, recovered by Styles Collier.
Bristol and Morrisville will also play on Thanksgiving.
What it means for Bristol
Bristol wins the Bicentennial Athletic League with a 3-0 record.
What it means for Morrisville
Morrisville wanted to beat its rival, but the Bulldogs are now more concerned with the district playoffs.
Key plays
• In the fourth quarter, trailing 14-13 and facing a 4th-and-7, Bristol scored on a 31-yard pass from Brady Slate to Kyleal Cottrell.
• Trailing 19-14 in the fourth quarter, Morrisville had a 3rd-and-1 from the Bristol 42-yard line. Bristol's George Sar stopped quarterback Ky'iere Rankins for no gain and Rankins was gang tackled on fourth down for no gain.
By the numbers: Bristol vs. Morrisville
• Bristol did a pretty good job containing Morrisville's star runner, Raymond Holman, holding him to 89 yards on 15 carries and keeping him out of the end zone.
• Holman ended the night with a school-record 3,959 career rushing yards.
• Bristol has defeated Morrisville 24 times in a row.
Game Balls:
• Morrisville running back Raymond Holman carried 15 times for 89 yards. He now has 3,959 career yards, breaking the school record held by Juan Jones, who played from 1995-98.
• Bristol quarterback Brady Slate ran for a 5-yard touchdown and threw a 31-yard touchdown pass.
• Bristol's Kylear Cottrell caught Slate's 31-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to put the Warriors on top to stay.
They said it:
• Bristol junior Brady Slate: “We always want to win this game."
• Bristol coach Mike Ciotti on his players: “I love these guys."
• Morrisville coach Mitch Cohen on his team's two interceptions and fumble: “You can't turn the ball over."
What’s next for Bristol:
Hosts New Hope-Solebury on Friday in the District One Class 2A championship game. Bristol beat New Hope, 42-7, in the regular season.
What’s next for Morrisville:
Hosts Jenkintown on Friday in the District One Class A championship game. Morrisville beat Jenkintown, 27-14, on Oct. 10.