For Springfield High School, less was more on Friday night as the Jackets dominated on the ground against Greenbrier in the annual Pitt-Carroll memorial trophy game, 43-0. All six SHS' touchdowns came from the rush, only attempting one pass throughout all four quarters.
Surprisingly, the defense broke the scoreless tie in the first, a safety sack on quarterback Brogan Harden to give the Jackets the edge by 2. Senior Kevontay White would score on the next play from scrimmage, giving Springfield a nine point lead early in the first frame. SHS would end the quarter with a 16 point advantage, thanks to a 90 yard rush from White, producing his second of four scores on the night.
Two more rushing touchdowns from White and Kevontez Hudson respectively gave Springfield a staggering 30 point lead at the break. The first six drives for the Bobcats resulted in either a punt, an interception, or a fumble. Greenbrier would attempt to find some momentum before the half, finding themselves at the 23 yard line of Springfield thanks to a big run from back Reagan Conquest, yet coughed up the ball once again, preserving a Springfield shutout.
The Bobcats would continue to struggle with ball control, losing possession once again on their first drive of the third quarter, the fifth turnover of the game. Kevontay and the Jackets would capitalize on Greenbrier's offensive miscues, scoring again to expand the lead to 37.
A final touchdown of the evening via a QB read from Austyn Day would put the final nail in the coffin for the game. Springfield improved to a record of 6-3, while GHS continues their season-long struggles, their record now standing at 2-7.
With Friday's win, and Montgomery Central's upset loss to White House High School, the Jackets now have an opportunity to take the region 5-4A title at Creek Wood High School (8-1) this week.
Springfield will make the playoffs regardless, but seeding is crucial in this November 1st match-up: a loss against the Red Hawks could place the Jackets in second or third place, depending on the Montgomery Central-White House Heritage game, thus risking the potential of home field advantage throughout the TSSAA playoffs. A win would ultimately crown SHS region champions, their first back-to-back region championships since the 1991-92 season.
While it may be easy for fans and players alike to look ahead at potential playoff brackets, what's important for the Yellow Jackets is to focus for Friday: a date with destiny in Charlotte, Tennessee.
-Blaine Kellar is a broadcasting and journalism intern for Social Dweebs, who has covered Springfield High School football since 2018.
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