The Dunkirk Marauders continue to impress people day in and day out as they demolished the Maryvale Flyers 59 to 0 in the Class B quarter finals last night. They hosted the Flyers at Karl Hoeppner field, which was the first home playoff game for the Marauders since the new field has opened up. There have been teams like Fredonia that played a playoff game at Dunkirk, but it’s good to have a true home game for this community. The Flyers (6-1) a very young team that has shown a lot of promise this season has lost to Cheektowaga last week (which granted Dunkirk a home playoff game), couldn’t get into a rhythm against this Marauder defense that has only allowed 18 points to their opponents in six games with three shutouts, including this game.
In a six game span, Dunkirk has put up a combined total of 257 points. This is very impressive and surprising as well because they have been known for their close games. But the offense has exploded and there is just too many people to take this credit. For starters, the quadruple threat in the backfield that includes Alton Ingram, Juan Damas, Issiah Velez, and Dontrell Clemmons. These four have a combination of power and speed, and going to this season people wondered how Dunkirk was going to replace Miguel Alicea and Devante Lockett. They replaced him with four guys two of them will return next season. Then there’s the quarterback Evon Hernandez and what an incredible story for him. Evon almost did not play this season because of a back injury, but his doctor cleared him and now he is a part of a team that can be part of history. Dunkirk has been a well balanced offense this year scoring on the ground and in the air, Hernandez has a great arm and can throw it pretty far.
The offensive line, who deserves the most credit for this team’s success has been outstanding. They have made some terrific blocks that has allowed the running backs to put up big numbers and providing time for Hernandez to throw. The Offensive line is the engine to the train, they dictate on how well the offense does in the game and in the six game span, it’s safe to say that they have performed amazing.
The defense has only allowed 18 points combined during the winning streak, shutting out three teams and locking down their best players. Against Springville, They have kept Ian Baker to only 50 yards, and he lead his school with over 1,000 yards this season, and broke his school record in rushing yards.
Dunkirk has certainly made a statement this year, and they proved that this team can compete with other teams in class B. This is a dangerous football team and they have an opportunity to make history by being the first team in Dunkirk history to go to New Era field (Buffalo Bills stadium), but they will have to go through Lackawanna the 8th seed in the playoffs that beat the number 1 seed Medina last night. If they remain focus and continue to work hard, without a doubt this team can do it and this community will follow them wherever they go.
