Tayshawn Branche ran for 224 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries Friday night as top-ranked Maury withstood a rare Eastern District challenge with a 42-14 victory at No. 11 Lake Taylor.

Despite the final score, the Titans (7-2) played the dominant Commodores (7-1) — who had outscored previously district foes 292-6 this season — evenly for almost 2½ quarters in an all-Norfolk clash.

Domo Everette, who carried seven times for 65 yards, found receiver Elijah Moss for a 5-yard touchdown on Maury’s first drive, which encompassed seven plays for 53 yards. But as lost fumbles ended the Commodores’ next two possessions, Lake Taylor drew even on Keon Johnson’s 4-yard TD run in the second quarter and Kevin Adams’ PAT for a 7-7 halftime tie.

Branche raced 78 yards for a touchdown on Maury’s fir

See Full Page