Head coach Dustin Wilson knew that going into Friday, even against a winless Station Camp football team, Springfield would be challenged.
The Jackets would be short-handed without star running back Kevontay White (shoulder) and starting center Tres Haley (undisclosed injury). White's absence was the second of the four games played this season, the first resulting in a 37-7 loss at Wilson Central.
With two integral pieces of a veteran-starved team, Springfield looked to Sophomore Fletcher Raines at snapper and an underclassmen tandem of sophomore Kevarious Smith and freshman Keontez Woodard in the backfield. All three of these players exceeded expectations, as SHS rolled to their third straight victory, 31-10.
Throughout the first half of this game Station Camp (0-4) gave Springfield fits on both sides of the ball, thanks to a slow offensive pace and a steady running game from Senior Terry Bradley. SHS' lone touchdown in the first half came from Ze'rel Boyd on a 15-yard end around, while sophomore Luis Días Jijon launched a 42 yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-3. SC Sophomore John Wilson capitalized on a turnover late in the second quarter, which eventually lead to a tie ballgame at the halfway point.
Unfortunately for the Bisons, their luck ran out in the second half: with six starters injured for extended periods of time, Station Camp could not contain Springfield's high powered offense. As a result, Springfield's first drive on offense in the second half resulted in two fourth-down conversions, and a 1-yard touchdown run from Kevontez Hudson. Hudson would score on the following drive as well, this one of a 2 yard touchdown dash. "Box" finished with three touchdowns on the evening, and was awarded Social Dweebs' Player of the Game.
The culmination of injuries, poor protection from SC's offensive line, and a lack of offensive production eventually set fans over the edge: with 5:35 left in the fourth quarter, senior quarterback Max Barnette would scramble for a first down on a long third down conversion, but not before a hit registered late from the Springfield side. A flag was thrown but was later picked up, sparking outrage in the Station Camp seating section. Barnette, who was slow to get up earlier in the game, would later comment on the incident: "Whenever he tackled me I just lost some emotion, but we all bounced back and got back onto the field. A lot was going through my head..."
On the ensuing Springfield possession, Kevontez would find the end zone for the third time in the second half, all coming on the ground. Tensions flared before the PAT, where a scrum broke out from both special teams units. Referees quickly came to separate the players, but not before the loss of a Station Camp player’s helmet. Unsportmanlike conduct penalties were issued to both units, thus offsetting the penalties, resulting in the kick sailing through the uprights.
Station Camp would fail to produce any additional offense in the second half, their last drive ending before it even began, via a picture-perfect interception by Keiavion Jones.
Springfield looks to continue their hot-streak next week in a rivalry game at White House High School (3-0). The Blue Devils' won their last contest 32-20, an away game against Class 5A opponent Hunters' Lane.
-Blaine Kellar is a Broadcasting and Journalism Intern for Social Dweebs, who has covered Springfield High School athletics since 2018.
Comentarios