Haldane improved to 2-0 on the season with an explosive 55-28 victory over Woodlands on Saturday, fueled by a standout performance from Fallou Faye.

Faye dazzled with two kickoff return touchdowns and added a receiving touchdown to lead the Blue Devils in a dominant all-around effort.

The game opened with an early spark as Haldane’s Merrick Williams broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown run, though the extra point was missed. Woodlands responded quickly with a 2-yard touchdown run by Jamison Stevens, followed by a successful two-point conversion to take an 8-6 lead.

However, Faye shifted the momentum right back in Haldane’s favor with his first highlight-reel moment: an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, putting the Blue Devils up 13-8. Woodlands answered again, with Stevens connecting on a 20-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the lead, 14-13.

Haldane would respond in a big way, as Alex Gaugler capped off a drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. A few moments later, quarterback David Powlis found Faye for a 21-yard touchdown pass, and Gaugler’s two-point conversion run gave the Blue Devils a 27-14 advantage heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Haldane opened up the floodgates. Powlis connected with Jake Thomas for a 63-yard touchdown strike, stretching the lead to 34-14. Woodlands fought back with a 2-yard run for a score to make it 34-20, but Faye quickly neutralized that effort, returning the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for his second return touchdown of the game.

Powlis added a 2-yard touchdown run of his own, extending the Blue Devils’ lead to 48-20 before Woodlands would score again with a 16-yard pass from Amir Jackson, followed by a successful two-point conversion to cut the deficit to 48-28.

Haldane sealed the game in the fourth quarter with another short rushing touchdown by Gaugler, this time from two yards out, capping off his day with his second rushing score and pushing the final margin to 55-28.

Gaugler finished with 14 carries for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns, adding balance to Haldane’s high-powered offense. Quarterback David Powlis was efficient through the air, throwing multiple touchdown passes, including the 21-yarder to Faye and the long 63-yard strike to Jake Thomas.

On defense, Brody Corless was a force with a game-high 14 tackles, while Mike Philips added 8 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, helping to keep the Woodlands offense in check for most of the game.

Haldane’s special teams, led by Faye’s electrifying returns, were the difference in a high-scoring affair. With their offense firing on all cylinders and defense stepping up in key moments, the Blue Devils are proving they are a team to watch this season as they improve to 2-0. Woodlands falls to 1-1 but showed flashes of potential in the loss.

Media Day 2024: Haldane