POLO — Big plays and a stiff first-half defense provided Polo a victory over Durand Friday night.

Led by senior quarterback Matt Scholl, the Marcos jumped to an early lead and used a solid ground game to control the final outcome, 44-12.

Scholl burst through the middle on the second Polo possession and raced 17 yards for the first score with just over five minutes left in the opening quarter. Following the kickoff, he made his presence known on defense by tipping the first pass from Durand quarterback Bob Sweet into the arms of teammate Steve Frano for an interception deep in Bulldog territory.

For the second time in the opening quarter, however, Durand’s defense stymied the Marcos. The Bulldogs prevented Polo from scoring on its opening drive with an impressive goal-line stand. After Frano’s interception, Durand again frustrated Polo’s offense, pushing the Marcos back on three consecutive plays to leave a fourth down and 15 yards at the Bulldog 35 yard line.

Scholl answered again, this time using a play-action fake to junior wide receiver Conner Lincoln, who snagged a 34-yard pass that put Polo on the Durand 2-foot line with a first down. Junior Drew Cheatham finished the job, punching the next play into the end zone. With just under three minutes left in the opening quarter, Polo appeared on its way to an easy opening night victory, leading 14-0.

Durand silenced the home crowd on its next possession, however, as Sweet connected with Thomas Harms on a sideline bomb for the first Bulldog touchdown. Harms literally raced past several Polo defenders and covered 57 yards, putting Durand back in the game at 14-6.

-- GateHouse News Service