An unspoken rule in most athletic programs is to schedule a weaker opponent on the night of homecoming, in order to have a higher likelihood of winning on a special night for players and fans, alike.
Such was not the case on Friday, September 27th, as the Marshall County Tigers rolled into Springfield, Tennessee and dismantled Springfield, 42-12. The loss snapped a 12-game home winning streak for SHS, the streak withstanding over the past two and a half seasons.
Marshall County, who improved to 5-1 on the season, held the advantage in the air and on the ground against the Jackets, as Seniors Javarria Rucker and Kel Greer rushed for 5 touchdowns, and Sophomore Bryson Hammons threw for another in a game that Springfield just could not keep up in.
With Austyn Day unavailable, Kevontez Hudson was the lone quarterback for the second straight week, yet could not solve the Tiger's defense. The Junior finished with one touchdown but had three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble).
The Jackets held their own throughout the first half against their 4A-4 opponent, holding MCHS to two touchdowns, yet were unable to make the most of their opportunities. In the first quarter, Luis-Diaz Jijon's field goal attempt came up short from the Marshall County 23. Springfield's kicking unit would miss two point-after-touchdowns in the second half, as well.
Springfield’s offense would ignite in the third quarter, immediately following what would be Greer’s third touchdown of the evening. Sophomore Ze'rel Boyd flaunted his athleticism, as he has all season, this time on an 80-yard end-around run for 6. Boyd would score on the ensuing Springfield possession, a 27 yard post route from Hudson.
Outside of Boyd's two touchdown game, SHS Freshman Keontez Woodard handled the running back duties for the evening, getting the start over Kevontay White. When asked about the feelings of receiving the start as a first-year player: "It felt good. We have to execute and work harder [against Montgomery Central]."
Although the outcome is not entirely what Springfield was hoping for on Homecoming night, a lot can be said in the scheduling of an opponent of this caliber: whether intentional or inadvertent, Coach Wilson humbled his players this evening. With the Jackets having a historically positive record against their remaining competition (12-0 against Portland, Greenbrier, Montgomery Central, and Creek-wood over the past five seasons), the Jackets needed to address their weaknesses before November, and were able to do just that.
Springfield (4-2) has their bye week next week, then travels to Montgomery Central (5-1), who faces Greenbrier High School October 4th. Marshall County (5-1) will play at Lawrence County High School (3-3) next week.
-Blaine Kellar is a broadcasting and journalism intern for Social Dweebs, who has covered Jacket football since 2018.
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