De ja vue must have been on the minds of the Archbishop Spalding football team last night as they saw MIAA B Conference rival Severn score a touchdown on the the first play from scrimmage in the league opener for both team last night at Spalding.

It was only a week ago that the Cavaliers experienced a similar trauma as Mount St. Joseph scored 28 first quarter points in a 47-14 rout of Spalding. This time, however, the Cavs solidified the "D" and battled back for an 18-6 victory over the visiting Admirals.

Severn stung Spalding with a surprise halfback option pass on the opening snap, and senior running back Matt Verlin delivered a perfect ball to receiver Taylor Burns, who easily glided into the end zone for a 50 yard touchdown reception. After that, however, the Spalding defense limited the Admirals to just 109 yards of additional offense. The Cavs also forced two first half turnovers deep in their own territory, including a goal-line interception by Drew Saine.

It was the first of two picks for Saine and Spalding followed it with a eight play drive that concluded with a 43 yard touchdown run by senior running back Evan Hockel, early in the second quarter. Hockell, who rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns, also added a two-point conversion run to give Spalding an 8-6 lead.

Hockel, who also kicked a 35 yard field goal in the third quarter, scored again on the opening drive of the second half and then Spalding's defense really settled in and began to dominate. Senior Billy Canter led the way with three sacks, and the Cavaliers made another goal line stand in the fourth quarter.

In addition to his early touchdown catch, Burns also shined on the Severn defense, as he made eight stops, grabbed and interception and recovered a fumble.

It was the B Conference opener for both teams, which are each now 1-1 overall.

Archbishop Spalding 18, Severn 6
SEV 6 0 0 0 - 6
AS 0 8 10 0 - 18

1st
SEV-Burns 50 pass from Verklin (Kick failed)

2nd
AS-Hockel 43 run (Hockel run)

3rd
AS-Hockel 10 run (Kuhl kick)
AS-Hockel 35 FG