The Baltimore Mariners improved their record to 2-0 Saturday night by defeating the visiting Atlanta Sharks (0-2) 65-18 in their home opener at the Baltimore Arena.
In front of a cheering crowd including Ravens punter Sam Koch along with Towson University head football coach Rob Ambrose, the Mariners defense showed up early and often including notching two safeties in the first quarter alone.
On the first play from scrimmage, Mariners defensive back Richard Johnson’s fumble recovery returned for a touchdown gave Baltimore a lead and they never looked back.
Mariners running back Daijeon Powell (Douglass High School) had a huge night in all three phases of the game.
On the ground Powell had touchdown runs of four-yards and seven-yards in the first half alone. On special teams, Powell’s 30-yard kick return for a touchdown late in the first quarter gave Baltimore a commanding 22-6 lead.
Powell, the Douglass High School phenom also showed his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His 30-yard touchdown reception put the Mariners up 45-18 just before half-time, all but put the finishing touches on the visiting Sharks.
Quarterback Kevin Clancy had another solid performance for the Mariners. His two touchdowns passes before half-time (19, 30 yards) were thrown with pin-point accuracy.
Atlanta never could get anything going on offense or defense. Their one shining play came early in the second quarter on a 45-yard touchdown run by Rashad Tukes.
Mariners head coach Ron Meehan (Towson) and his crew showed no signs of letting up in the second half and made a statement to the rest of the AIF League.
Scoring three more times late in the game, including a touchdown on a blocked kick, the Mariners coasted into their second-straight win of the young season.
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