Defense and special teams set the tone for a great home opening night for the Arbutus Big Red semi-pro Mason-Dixon Football League squad as they dispatched the D.C Falcons, 28-0, at Catonsville High, July 16.
Charles "Big Daddy" Kirby got the Big Red on board early when the 41-year-old secured a sack for a safety.
Ryan McGowan booted two field goals in the first half as the hosts built an 8-0 lead behind a stifling defense led by linebacker Brendon Twilley.
McGowan finished with four field goals, including a 55-yarder, and two extra points.
The Big Red offense came alive in the second half on a three-yard touchdown run by Calvin Collins and a 15-yard TD scamper by Travis Spencer.
The win improved the defending Mason-Dixon League runners-up to 2-0.
In the season opener on the road, July 10, the Big Red defeated the New Jersey Broncos in a thrilling comeback.
Trailing 12-0, the Big Red scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes to steal a 13-12 victory.
Mario Epps returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown, but the extra point was blocked.
After a tough defensive stand, the Big Red scored on a 50-yard pass from Rocky Brown to Stewart Long.
McGowan's extra point kick proved to be the game-winning point.
Arbutus, winners of four Mason Dixon Football League titles, most recently in 1999, faces the Maryland Blackhawks in the road July 23, and following a bye week, returns home Aug. 6 (7 p.m.) against the Virginia Hornets.
That game will be played on their traditional home field at Arbutus MIddle School.