The first time Good Counsel battled Gonzaga this season, the Falcons lost running back Mohamed Ibrahim early in the game and saw a close contest turn into a blowout defeat.

In Saturday’s WCAC playoff matchup with Gonzaga, the Falcons running back was healthy throughout and shredded the Eagles defense for 142 yards and two scores while carrying the Falcons past the top-seeded Eagles 35-12.

“Last time we played them I was sick and I couldn't finish the game. Coming into this week,” said Ibrahim. “I knew I would be a big part of this team win. They told me they were going to give me the ball.”

While Good Counsel bludgeoned the Eagles front-seven with a 47 rushing attempts, 35 of which came from Ibrahim, it took some time for the Falcons game plan to crack Gonzaga.

The teams played a tightly contested 3-3 game by halftime.

But for the Falcons, the first half, which featured mostly rushing plays, was a setup. Good Counsel started the second half with a flea-flicker for a 65-yard completion to set up an Ibrahim touchdown scamper for a 10-3 lead.

“We did that trick play and it got us going for the entire second half,” said Ibrahim.The Falcons passing attack continued to flourish as quarterback Travis Nannen connected with Devin Judd on a 66 yard scoring strike.

“It was a play designed to trick the corner,” said Judd. “I faked the wheel [route] and it left the middle of the field wide open.”

Gonzaga mustered a touchdown run by Tyree Randolph, but couldn't threaten as the Falcons put the game away with another Ibrahim scoring run and Judd made a 104-yard interception return for a touchdown slam the door shut on any Eagles comeback attempt.

The Falcons will face DeMatha for the WCAC crown on Sunday at 5 p.m. at Byrd Stadium on the campus of the University of Maryland.
“It means everything,” said Judd. “We have one more week to play.”
Meanwhile, Gonzaga’s season isn't over. The Eagles will look to defend their DCSAA crown in the coming weeks.