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Spartans whip East Burke

Dan Crawley

mcdowell_youth@yahoo.com

Published: November 5, 2009

The West McDowell Spartans assured themselves of a .500 season when they defeated Watauga last week 6-0.
But the Spartans did not want to settle for just an average season. They went out and took care of business Tuesday in the season finale, beating East Burke Middle School 22-6.
With the win, West McDowell (5-3) finishes above the .500-mark for the first time in several seasons.
Malique O'Neil was a huge contributor in the Spartans' win, rushing for 132 yards and two scores. O'Neil also caught a touchdown pass in the contest.
East Burke tried to slow down West by using a deliberate, ball-possession method. The Raiders took the opening kickoff and held the ball for nearly 10 minutes before committing a turnover in Spartans territory.
As soon as West took possession, they quickly went to work.
O'Neil put the Spartans on top 6-0 with 5:07 left in the half when he broke some tackles and sprinted 55 yards for a score.
West tacked on another score on the last play of the half.
After forcing a turnover, Richard Brown connected with O'Neil for 27 yards on a halfback pass to put West in front 14-0.
O'Neil added his third score of the contest just seconds into the fourth quarter, effectively breaking the game open when he broke around the right corner and ran 67 yards to pay dirt.
East Burke was finally able to sustain a drive late in the fourth quarter.
Dillon Phillips spoiled the Spartans' shutout attempt when he scored on a 3-yard run with 1:16 left in the contest.