Addison's TDs add up in Titans' win over Hubs

FREDERICK, Md. — A week ago, Tuscarora beat South Hagerstown in the last minute behind senior Jordan Addison.

On Friday night on its home turf, Tuscarora had no late theatrics to worry about. The Titans steamrolled North Hagerstown 63-27, rolling up over 500 yards of offense behind Addison, sophomore quarterback Brian Jester and junior back Naseem Pacheco.

The University of Pittsburgh-bound Addison had five touchdowns — a 65-yard run on the first play from scrimmage, scoring receptions of 22 and 18 yards from Jester, 21-yard catch from Pacheco and a 71-yard kickoff return. Pacheco had a 24-yard TD run and multiple rushing yards that set up other Tuscarora scores.

Tuscarora (3-1) showed its wares offensively at the outset, but North (1-3) was right there answering each of the Titans first two scores.

On the first play of the game, Addison bolted over right tackle and went 65 yards. Jason Forchetti, the holder on kick attempts, surprised the Hubs and rolled away from the defense for two points and an 8-0 lead 16 seconds into the game.

North’s first possession stumbled, but the ensuing punt was fumbled by Tuscarora and the Hubs were in business at the Titans’ 33.

On a beautifully executed play, quarterback Jaynaz Melendez fired a strike to Michael Hoffman, who was sliding across the middle from his position on the left. With Nick Profilio’s kick, it was an 8-7 contest.

Tuscarora then executed a 72-yard drive, finished off when Addison took in a 22-yard pass from Jester, a smooth-looking QB who helped guide the Titans to its comeback win last week at South Hagerstown. This time, the Titans' Ryan Barrick had the kick for a 15-7 lead with 5:37 left in the opening quarter.

In North's next possession, a 15-yard chop-block penalty couldn't prevent North from moving from its own 35. Melendez completed passes to Antoine Cook and Ira Roberts to set up a 1-yard sneak by Melendez for the score. After Profilio’s kick, it was 15-14.

Suddenly, Tuscarora took over as North quit tackling and the Titans' defense stiffened.

The Titans burned out the scoreboard bulbs with five touchdowns in the second quarter for a 49-14 lead at the half.

Just 75 seconds into the third quarter, Tuscarora scored on an 8-yard pass from Jester to Brandon Evans.

The floodgates were open.

North had a three-and-out, punted and went back on offense when it recovered the dropped ball. But Melendez was thrown for a 20-yard loss trying to scramble, and after a short punt, the Titans were in business at their 32.

A 44-yard pass from Jester to Evans set up the next Tuscarora score, a 24-yard run by Pacheco, who had been Tuscarora’s starting quarterback until Jester took over last week and earned a start against North.

“With Brian in there it gives us (Addison and Pacheco) in the backfield and two guys that can interchange and play quarterback,” said Tuscarora coach Vince Ahearn.

That score made it 29-14. North appeared in trouble and couldn’t get out of the deep rut.

“We had guys in position to make plays, but they didn’t because we didn’t tackle. ... We have to come up with something soon,” said North coach Greg Stains.

In the last 6:51 of the second quarter, Tuscarora added three more scores and went to the lockers with a 49-14 lead.

The second half, with a running clock, had alternating scores.

In the third quarter, Cook scored for North from 4 yards out, and Melendez tossed a 34-yard scoring strike to Kaelib McElroy in the fourth quarter.

“Melendez threw the ball well at times and at times he did not,” said Stains. “I thought the offensive line did a good job blocking up front. We just need to fix the mentality of the players.”