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Thomas Jefferson Football Coach Jerry Cash joked last Friday that the season is usually going pretty well if your playing football after Thanksgiving. Consider the goal reached for the Gryphons in 2014.
For the second week in a row, Thomas Jefferson’s football team has won a playoff game.
Trey McGhee (129 yards rushing/12 tackles on defense) Mason Martin (97 yards rushing) each scored two rushing touchdowns as Thomas Jefferson blanked the visitors from Pine Lake Prep 35-0 last Friday.
“Our defense just did a great job of containment on #34 and we really took charge of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” Cash said. “It’s only going to get tougher from here on out.”
They Gryphons led by seven for most of the first half as the turning point came late in the half. Thanks to Coty Flynn, Derek Skipper and Brooks Corders all playing a part in making the sacks on three consecutive plays deep in the second quarter. From there, a Mason Fenner touchdown catch from seven yards out put the Gryphons up 14-0 at half.
They also held big #34 Austin Cook to just 72 yards rushing and forced four turnovers. Last Friday was the most complete game of the season for Thomas Jefferson as they host Friday 11/28/14 for a 7:30 kickoff in the third round of the playoffs.
R-S Central football
Tyran McIntyre (175 yards rushing) posted two touchdowns, while Matt Atchley (180 yards rushing) and Juwan Watkins each crossed the goal line once, but it wouldn’t be enough in a 49-28 season ending loss to East Lincoln in the second round of the 2AA playoffs.
The Hilltoppers trailed 14-0 before erasing the deficit to two at 14-12 by halftime. The Mustangs went up 28-12 and then the Hilltoppers cut it back to 28-20 late in the third quarter. Unfortunately, R-S Central just couldn’t stop East Lincoln’s Chazz Surratt, who accounted for tossing five touchdowns on the night.
R-S Central made a great showing and didn’t go down without a fight. That is something to certainly be proud of in the western part of the county. Atchely, who undoubtedly led the Hilltoppers this season on the field ended his R-S Central football career as one of the best to ever play among the county.
Third Round playoffs: Alleghany at Thomas Jefferson
Here is what we do know about Alleghany. They have just 27 on the roster. However, they have decent size lineman and can do a little bit of everything on offense. Jake Hampton is their most notable player. Hampton, the fullback, has run for over 900 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Quarterback, Austin Sprinkle is also cause for concern. Sprinkle has thrown for over 1,100 yards.
Overall, I expect a very physical, defensive and competitive contest. If Thomas Jefferson wins on Friday, they will be heading to the 1A West finals to face either Robbinsville on the road or hosting Murphy.
And finally, I am a week late concerning the NASCAR Championship. Kevin Harvick deserved to win over what was the final four. While it does make the attrition rate better for fans, does the new Chase format really solidify as to who the champion should be. Making the championship a one race deciding thing doesn’t set well with the integrity of the sport. Honestly, Denny Hamlin nor Ryan Newman were championship contenders all season and yet they make the final four. If one of them would have won at Homestead, all would be wondering that if the series got it right. Fortunately, Harvick took matters into his own hands winning at Phoenix to make the final round and then fifth win of the season at Homestead to take the 2014 title.
