The Huddle: Coach Demetris Royal's local football highlights - Monday night blues
The Jackets Yellow Jacket, now 3-2, coming off a 57 to 0 victory against East Davidson, hosted the South Davidson Wildcats who are 0-5, on Monday September 30th. A game that was postponed due to threats from Hurricane Helene, the previous Friday. The Jackets were looking to get their second conference win, and had no problem facing the Wildcats on Monday.
The Jackets received the opening kickoff on the opening drive and Qwazir Craven got things rolling early with a big first down run. On the following play junior Kamari Mcdonald got a first down catch to keep the chains moving. Senior Rahzel Ewart aided the drive with a first down run a few plays later. Senior quarterback Jaylen Henderson ended the drive with a touchdown run which he kept on an option play. Senior Hugo Martinez Rodriguez kicked an extra point attempt and caught a pass to convert a two point conversion making it 8-0 with 9:25 left in the game.
On South's first possession junior Kaedyn Thomas-Hearts came in with a stop and senior Rahzel finished up the next play with a tackle leading the Wildcats nowhere. On the Wildcats punt attempt the punter fumbled the snap in the endzone and junior Daquan Creamer recovered for the score. Hugo added an extra point making it 15-0 with 7:42 left in the first.
During South’s next play junior Kaedyn and senior Peja Ellis came up big with another stop. Junior Nijaylin Gilmore added to the tackle fest with a big stop. The Wildcats finally had a bit of luck as a roughing the passer call was made giving them a first down. Unfortunately, for the Wildcats, senior Rahzel changed the tone with an interception that ended up being another 1st quarter Jackets touchdown. The “golden toe” of Hugo added the extra point making the score 22-0 with 3:45 left.
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Wildcats, who fumbled on the kickoff, the Jackets recovered the football. Jaylen had a big first down run to start things off and Craven added a touchdown run on the drive. Hugo added an extra point making it 29-0 with 2:30 left in the first. During South’s next possession senior K’brian Robinson and Jordan Summers came up with stops for the Jackets forcing a punt. Senior Naquel Wood took back the punt for a touchdown with Hugo once again adding an extra point making it 36-0 with 11:40 to go in the 2nd quarter.
Hugo’s kickoff pinned the Wildcats inside the 5 yard line. Another quick 3 and out for the Wildcats had them punting to Wood who once again returned the punt for a touchdown. Hugo added the extra point making the score 43-0. On South’s next drive, senior Rahzel, junior Jordan Gray and Zakhii White had big stops forcing the Wildcats to punt again.
For the Jackets next drive Rahzel broke off a big first down run. Craven Sealed the deal with a touchdown run to end the drive. Hugo added an extra point making it 50-0. Following kickout senior Shykese Plush and junior Dale Clodfelter shut down the Wildcat’s return. Wildcats next drive juniors Jaylen Jones and Jordan Gray with Shykese all had stops to send it into halftime with Jackets up 50-0.
South's next possession was a 3 and out. Rahzel had another big first down run for the Jackets. Craven also finished another drive with a touchdown . Hugo added the extra point making it 57-0 with 2:30 left in the exciting game. For the next kick off, senior Peja Ellis and Parker shut the Wildcat’s return down. Senior Saquan Cuthberston caught an interception and took it to the house making it 63-0 with 9:00 minutes left to go in the fourth quarter. To end the game freshman quarterback Original Sifford completed a touchdown run as time ran out making it 69-0 for a win for the Lexington Yellow Jackets.
My Take:
The Jackets are getting better with each game and tonight was pure dominance from start to finish helping give the Jackets underclassmen some gametime experience. Jackets had a flawless performance with minimal mistakes and the least penalized game for the Jackets in a while. The seniors are doing a good job of setting the tone and leading the way with a 2-0 conference and by hosting West Davidson next Friday for homecoming. It's looking like the only thing that can get in Jackets way now is themselves.
MY MVP:
Goes to the entire team for an all around great performance.
Offense:
Qwaizr Craven, Naquel Wood, Jaylen Henderson,Original Sifford and Rahzel Ewart.
Defense:
Rahzel Ewart, Saquan Cuthberston, Peja Ellis, Dale Clodfelter, Kaedyn Thomas-Hearst, Jordan Gray, Shykese Plush, Zakhi White, Jordan Summers, Nijaylin Gilmore, Daquan Creamer.
