WASHINGTON, DC-Keystone put together a competitive effort across two games on Saturday, facing Cedar Crest and Gallaudet in conference play. Keystone was highlighted by key individual performances and a strong defensive presence at times. The Giants finish the season 4-9 and 2-7 in conference play.
Game One: (Cedar Crest 12. Keystone 6)
In the opening game against Cedar Crest, Keystone dropped a narrow 12-6 decision in a game that remained within reach throughout. After falling behind in the second quarter, Keystone answered late in the half when Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del./Sussex Technical) found the end zone to even things at 6-6 heading into the break .
The Giants moved the ball effectively through the air, totaling 174 passing yards, with Jayda Price (York, Pa./William Penn) leading the receiving corps with 59 yards on seven catches . Desiree Stamps (Alpharetta, Ga./Centennial) added 145 passing yards while also contributing on the ground with a team-high 38 rushing yards .
Defensively, Keystone created opportunities with three interceptions, including multiple takeaways from Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del./Sussex Technical), helping keep momentum within reach . The game ultimately turned on a defensive score by Cedar Crest in the second half, but the Giants remained within striking distance into the final quarter.
Game Two: (Gallaudet 32, Keystone 6)
In game two against Gallaudet, Keystone continued to compete, falling 32-6 in a matchup that featured several explosive plays. The Giants controlled possession for over 38 minutes and outgained Gallaudet on the ground, showing balance offensively .
After a scoreless first three quarters, Keystone broke through early in the fourth when Jayda Price (York, Pa./William Penn) connected with Desiree Stamps (Alpharetta, Ga./Centennial) on a 44-yard touchdown play, providing a spark for the Giants offense .
Stamps led the way with 182 total passing yards split between quarterbacks, while also contributing 49 rushing yards. Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del./Sussex Technical) paced the receiving group with 58 yards, and Phaneirra Arnett added nine receptions in a high-volume passing attack .
Defensively, Keystone was led by Hailee Hackett's (Carmicahel, Calif./Rio Americano) nine tackles, while multiple players contributed to a pair of interceptions as the Giants worked to slow down a quick-strike Gallaudet offense.
Keystone rounds out their first full season as a varsity sport coming up just one game short of making the playoffs. Throughout the season, the team shined with offensive and defensive plays that proved that the Giants will be a force to be reckoned with in coming years.
