Like most humans, Yellow Jackets tend to avoid rain more often than not, as it would affect their mobility.
Such was the case Friday, October 11th, as Springfield High School dropped their second straight loss late to the Indians of Montgomery Central, 13-10.
While the weather was the downfall of the Jackets', the conditions only benefited MCHS, their three tailback sets proving to eventually wear down SHS' defense.
The triple-back set is seldom-seen in Football at any level, yet seemed to produce effective results for Central, as their record improved to 7-1 on the season, thanks primarily to Indians' star power back Lakendriez Sanders. Quarterback Logan Sykes was asked to throw the ball once over the course of the game, an interception right into the gloves of Kevontay White.
Sanders and fellow Senior back Kaleb Lane, who weigh in at a combined 465 pounds, kept Springfield's defense busy throughout all four quarters, yet were relatively quiet throughout the first half: the former tearing through tackles for a touchdown on Central's opening drive (in what would be his only score of the game), and the latter only breaking away once to pin Springfield deep inside their own territory immediately following a turnover on downs.
The Yellow Jackets' scoring on the evening, as most other evenings, came from solid defense and special teams: with the punting unit recovering a muffed return attempt in the red zone that would result in Kevontez Hudson's scamper for six. Luiz Diaz-Jijon, who seemed to fix his kicking woes from two weeks prior, tied the game up after Box's score, the point after sailing through. The Sophomore would kick a 40-yard field goal in the expiring seconds of the first half to put Springfield ahead by three.
The defensive units for both teams would stand firm throughout the third quarter, leading to the same score going into the fourth. Montgomery Central would then rely on Sanders to construct an eight minute methodical drive that would give MCHS the lead once again, this time on a Quarterback sneak via Logan Sykes. An additional penalty on Central gave SHS all the room needed to block the kick, and keep the game within a field goal.
Springfield would have the ball and an opportunity to start a drive and take the lead from their own 44 with four minutes to play, yet were unable to capitalize: back to back penalties to begin the series and a called fumble out of the hands of Hudson sealing the Jackets' fate.
Springfield (4-3) will attempt to snap their first losing streak of the season next week, as the Jackets host Portland High School (4-4). Montgomery Central will travel to White House High School following a bye week October 18th.
-Blaine Kellar is a broadcasting and journalism intern for Social Dweebs, who has covered Jacket football since 2018.
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