Frederick’s big-play passing sparks 22-18 win over Tuscarora

Frederick High turned two quick strikes into a needed victory Friday, beating Tuscarora 22-18 on the road to snap a two-game losing streak.

Sophomore quarterback Ja’Meire Macklin connected with brothers Rondell and Ronte Faunteroy for touchdown passes of 61 and 34 yards, respectively, The Frederick News-Post reports.

Each score came on a one-play drive and answered a Tuscarora lead. The 34-yard connection with Ronte early in the fourth quarter put the Cadets ahead for good.

For Frederick, the long completions provided more than points. Macklin said those plays lift confidence across the sideline and encourage the offense to keep attacking. Ronte described the momentum a single successful play can create for the rest of a game.

The Cadets have not consistently found those opportunities during the first half of the season. Against difficult opponents and strong defenses, they have often struggled to stretch the field and have needed other ways to score.

Inexperience has contributed to those challenges. Injuries and roster turnover left Frederick with a majority of first-year starters learning the demands of varsity football, according to the report.

Six games into the season, Macklin is beginning to develop more rhythm in the passing game. First-year head coach EJ Wallace credited the quarterback and receivers for trusting one another, getting the ball out on time and winning individual matchups against Tuscarora.

Frederick does not want its offense to depend entirely on long touchdown plays. But Friday’s game showed how the Cadets’ receiving talent can change a close contest quickly.

The two connections to the Faunteroy brothers were enough to help Frederick turn separate deficits into a four-point road win.