Columbia, MD – The Dragons put forth a memorable performance as they were able to rout the #4 ranked CCBC Essex Knights 16-8 as Howard solidified their newly minted #2 national ranking.
 
A frenetically paced first quarter saw the Dragons get on the board first with Philip Petersen (Vail, CO/Eagle Valley) using his agility to score in contrast to the power move of Brennan Treacy (Woodbine, MD/Saint Pauls) in the middle of the scoring zone for the second goal. Essex took the ensuing face-off and scored just 11 seconds later as part of a four goal run to take a 4-2 lead. Zane Dalpe (Belle River, ON/Saint Anne) scored to break the Knights' momentum as a fantastic feed from Caleb Tatum (Kingswood, TX/Kingswood) found Dalpe in a position to dunk a shot in from close range. Essex was able to score again late in the first quarter as they took a 5-3 lead after the first period.
 
The dominance of the Dragons started to shine through in the second quarter starting with the fantastic play of face-off specialists Terence Harmon (Mount Pleasant, SC/Wando) and Zach Wentz, who combined to win 19-26 from the circle as they consistently gave their offense increased possession. The decisive run of the game started early as Chase Noah (Darnestown, MD/St. Andrews Episcopal) pinged the top corner with a man-up long range strike. Treacy followed that with another power move down the middle to tie the game at 5-5. Noah scored once more on a man-up midway through the second quarter and the Dragons took a 6-5 lead into halftime.
 
Howard controlled the third quarter even more so as Brian Zajac (Brookeville MD/Good Counsel) scored a couple combined with Treacy completing his hat trick along with goals by Noah, Caleb Tatum (Kingswood, TX/Kingswood), and Petersen to make it a 9-0 Howard run and a 12-5 lead after three quarters. While Essex finally snapped their goalless stretch that lasted 33 minutes of game time, the Dragons scored four more goals in the fourth with Max Bruno (Ellicott City, MD/Howard) getting on the score sheet along with Kaden Brennan (Kingsville, ON/Kingsville District) along with Dalpe and Noah adding to their respective totals.
 
Chris Peterson (Saline, MI/Saline) put forth another sterling effort in goal with 14 saves  while the defense forced 18 turnovers led by Connor Gladstone (Warrenton, VA/Kettle Run) forcing three of those.
 
The Dragons will now prepare for the much anticipated clash of the top two teams in the NJCAA as #1 ranked Nassau Lions come to town on Saturday, April 2 at 1 PM.