By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – The common denominator for the Fort Lauderdale High football team through its first six games has been the play of senior quarterback Marquise Russ.
His strong play had the Flying L’s undefeated entering Thursday’s home game against Douglas.
With no alterations to his effectiveness to date, Russ shined again with three more touchdown passes and one rushing score for a 27-7 victory at Lockhart Stadium.
Not only did Fort Lauderdale improve to 7-0 on the season, but they have also won nine consecutive games dating back to last year.
“This is all a learning experience and all about growing and developing your roster,” said Fort Lauderdale coach Richard Dunbar. “We were slopy at time, but I’ll take the win.’
As for Russ, he’s thrown at least one touchdown each game this season and a minimum of three scoring passes five times.
“Marquise has always been great for us,” said Dunbar. “I love his poise and love the way he has shown a maturity over the last nine months here.”
Russ had 10 completions for 227 yards. He had a pair scoring passes to junior wide receiver Antwan Jackson for 50 and 24 yards. The other scoring toss was 33 yards to Isaiah Mabson that gave the Flying L’s a 14-7 lead with 4:39 left in the second quarter.
“There were many ups and downs in the game, but we were able to stay poised,” said Russ. “I was able to overcome some things, but we found a way to win.”
Russ added his second rushing touchdown of the season on a one-yard sneak with 5:03 left in the fourth quarter.
The Eagles (1-6) lone score came with 5:26 left in the second quarter when junior quarterback Sampsen Orlinsky threw a 59-yard scoring pass to Anthony Diaz tying the game 7-7.
Fort Lauderdale will host Coral Springs on Friday, Oct. 16, where they hope to improve to 8-0. Douglas will play Forest Hill at home on Thursday.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.