Scruggs carries Spalding past Pallotti

After their post-game huddle Friday, several Spalding football players unfurled a red banner.

“Congrats, Coach,” the banner read.

Spalding coach Kyle Schmitt collected his 100th career win as the second-ranked Cavaliers defeated Pallotti, 29-6, in a MIAA A Conference match at rainy Fairland Regional Park in Laurel.

“It’s not about me,” said Schmitt, who’s in his 10th season at Spalding after guiding Atholton in Howard County for four seasons. “I’m just happy we got the win.”

Spalding (5-1 overall, 2-0 MIAA A) never trailed Friday, scoring the first 29 points. Pallotti moved the ball down the field on the game’s opening drive before turning it over on downs.

The Cavaliers marched down the field and Gavin Scruggs scored from two yards out before the end of the first quarter. Scruggs and Hakim Simms combined for three touchdowns Friday.

Simms scored Spalding’s second touchdown of the first half from four yards out.

“Hakim Simms is running really hard,” said Schmitt, a former starting offensive linemen and graduate assistant at the University of Maryland. “He’s been a huge key to our season so far… He’s kind of our unsung hero.”

Spalding added a safety in the last minute of the first half. As the rain started to fall early in the second half, senior wideout Max Moss caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Malik Washington.

Later in the third quarter, Scruggs, a senior, scored his second touchdown of the game to stake Spalding to a 29-0 advantage.

Schmidt is appreciative of Scruggs’ progression.

“Gavin Scruggs is everything Spalding football is about,” Schmitt said. “He waited his turn. He’s a tough, resilient, team guy. Does his job and keeps his mouth shut. He’s a great teammate.

I’m thrilled that in my 100th victory a guy like that has two touchdowns. That makes me feel really good.”

Scruggs couldn’t hide the smile on his face after hearing his coach’s praise.

“That means a lot to me,” Scruggs said. “I did put in that work to help my teammates, and I think that’s what Spalding is all about.”

The Panthers (2-3, 1-1 MIAA A) avoided a shutout with a one-yard touchdown from Braden Moore in the fourth quarter. After early success moving the ball, Pallotti found itself producing three-and-outs the remainder of the game.

Panthers coach Anthony Ashley thought a lot of his team’s mistakes were mental.

“We got to settle down on both sides of the ball,” Ashley said. “I’m not disappointed, (Spalding) is probably the best team in our league.”

Spalding has rolled off five straight victories since an opening loss at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. The Cavaliers sit atop the MIAA A with Mount St. Joseph (2-0) after two weeks.

“It’s a conference win on the road,” Schmitt said. “That’s what it’s all about. Conference wins on the road aren’t always going to be pretty. Especially when it’s in these circumstances, we got it done. I’m proud of the guys.”

No. 2 Archbishop Spalding 29, St Vincent Pallotti 6

at Fairland Regional Park

Spalding 7 9 13 0 — 29

Pallotti 0 0 0 6 — 6

First quarter

Spalding - Gavin Scruggs 2 run (Patrick Claborn kick)

Second quarter

Spalding - Hakim Simms 4 run (Claborn kick)

Spalding - Safety

Third quarter

Spalding - Max Moss 40 pass from Malik Washington (Claborn kick)

Spalding - Scruggs 1 run (kick failed)

Fourth quarter

Pallotti - Braden Moore 1 run (kick failed)