The Huddle: Coach Demetris Royal's local football highlights - Bulldogs missing, call Yellow Jackets if found
The Lexington Yellow Jackets (6-3) traveled up Business I-85 north to take on the Thomasville Bulldogs (4-5) and add another chapter in their historic rivalry. The Jackets coming off a win from a breathtaking defensive sack, to end the game against North Rowan, looked to keep the momentum going.
The Jackets would start the game by kicking off to the Bulldogs. Senior Shykese Plush would set the tone with a big tackle on the kickoff for the Jackets. A few plays into the drive junior Zakari Plush would come up with a tackle putting the Bulldogs in a passing situation. The next Bulldogs play would find Jackets senior Jaylen Henderson coming up with an interception and a decent return. Jackets offense started out slow and could only get a field goal from senior “Golden Toe” Hugo. The Jackets were up 3-0 with 7:30 left in the first. The Bulldogs would fumble and recover on the kickoff. Senior K’Brian Robinson would have a stop for the Jackets on the drive. A few plays later senior Kenize Saunders would have a touchdown saving tackle for the Jackets. Unfortunately for the Jackets it wouldn’t be enough as the Bulldogs found the end zone, setting the game at 7-3 with 5:30 left in the first. The Jackets weren't down for long as senior Qwazir Craven would answer right back with a 90 plus yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Hugo would add an extra point making it 10-7 with 5:30 left in first and the Jackets back up. On the Bulldogs next drive junior Kayden Thomas-Hearst, senior Nijaylin Gilmore and senior Zakhi White all came up with big tackles forcing the Bulldogs to punt the ball back to the Jackets. Senior Rahzel Ewart would return the punt and end the quarter with Jackets still ahead 10-7.
On the Jackets’ next drive to start the quarter Craven would add a couple first down runs to keep chains moving for the Jackets. With the Jackets now in the red zone they would turn the ball over with a costly interception giving up not only the ball, but the momentum of the game over to the Bulldogs. Rahzel would add a tackle and a third down sack on the Bulldogs next drive to make it fourth down. The Bulldogs elected to roll the dice and go for it which paid off a fresh new set of downs . Rahzel and Senior Tyree Gibbs would add tackles for the Jackets on the continuing drive. The Jackets was then blindsided by a first down run on fourth down by the Bulldogs, followed by another first down run. With time winding down in the half and the Bulldogs frantic on offense with no timeouts, they come up with a deflating touchdown run with 7.9 seconds left. Ending the half at 14-10 with Jackets down.
The Jackets would receive the kickoff to start the second half. Outside of a catch from Kamari McDonald, the Jackets had nothing for the Bulldogs and would punt. On the Bulldogs drive Senior Saquan Cuthbertson stopped a potential touchdown run that was a big gain. The Bulldogs wouldn’t take long to score on the drive via a run making it 20-10 with a missed extra point attempt and 8:50 left in the 3rd. The Jackets would gain a couple extra yards after the kick from a face mask penalty being called on the bulldogs . Jackets would move even further up on the next play as Bulldogs got hit with another face mask penalty. Craven added another first down run for the night. The Jackets couldn’t capitalize on it as they were faced with a 4th down and got sacked, giving the ball back to the Bulldogs. The Jackets defense would stand strong when needed as the Bulldogs would end up punting back to the Jackets with 2:25 left in the 3rd. Rahzel had a much needed first down catch called back from a holding penalty on the Jackets. The coaching staff went back to Rahzel on a pass play and he would come through for the Jackets with a first down catch and run ending the 3rd with the Jackets still down 20-10 and racing time. Kamari opens up the quarter with a catch putting the Jackets in scoring position. Craven would add a touchdown run for the Jackets making the game 20-17 after a Hugo extra point and 10:44 left in the game. Hugo and the kickoff team would pin the Bulldogs deep, having them starting at the 3 yard line. Saunders, Robinson and a strong defensive front all came up big with tackles for the Jackets as they forced a weak punt, having the Jackets 30 yards away from regaining the lead. Jackets would have a dry drive and quickly had them facing a fourth down. The Coaching staff with a trick up their sleeve, lined up as if they were going for it, only to fake a hard count and have the Bulldogs jump offsides.
With a fresh set of downs and the crowd into the game, the Jackets went to Craven who got them down to the 5 yard line with a run. With the clock running Jaylen would find the end zone on a quarterback sneak. Hugo added an extra point making it 24-20 with 2:50 left in the game. Senior Kiraman Small came up with a big tackle for the Jackets on the Bulldogs first down. The Jackets would luck up as the Bulldogs would fumble and recover the snap on 2nd down. On the 3rd down, the Bulldogs would catch and run for a heartbreaking touchdown that took the air from Jacket fans. The Refs had a little surprise for the Bulldogs when a penalty was called on them and brought back the touchdown They with 33 seconds left in the game, junior Daquan Creamer would come up with a fumble recovery and big touchdown return to end Bulldogs night on a sour note as Jacket players, coaches and fans celebrated. Hugo added extra point 31-20 for an outstanding come from behind in the fourth for a Jackets win.
My takes on the game:
This was yet another breathtaking last minute win for the Jackets. This was a type of game and finish that in previous years I feel would’ve been a loss . The growth and maturity from the team paid off again tonight as the boys hung in there and fought to the end. It seemed like every player played a part in this team win, this was an all around impressive victory. Offense, defense and special teams all came up with big plays when they needed to. The Jackets faced depth and injury issues all season and ended the regular season 7-3 and are looking to make some noise in the playoffs. Having an extra week before the next game, the Jackets will be able to get 2 weeks off for some rest and recovery. The excitement from the players, coaches and fans after the game was like a moment you just had to be there to understand. Congratulations to senior running back Qwazir Craven who was able to surpass 1000 yards running this season.
My MVP:
Every player on the team!
