Throughout the first five games of the season for Springfield High School,a theme has begun to occur: utilization of a heavy rushing attack, and a capitalization of opportunities throughout all four quarters.
The Jackets continued that trend on Friday, September 20th, with a 34-24 win at White House High School. Kevontay White and Kevontez Hudson continued their hot streaks for SHS (the former rushing in for two touchdowns after coming back from an injury the week prior, and the latter having scored 5 times in as many quarters), while Social Dweebs' Player of the Game Gabe Kelly embraced the role of a ball-hawk on the defensive end (two INTS, one fumble recovery).
Much like last week's game at Station Camp, Springfield struggled against the Blue Devils in the first half. Sophomore running back Ranen Blackburn carried the load offensively, passing the pylon for all three touchdowns for White House on the evening. A 12 play drive that leaked into the second quarter was the most productive drive of the night for the Jackets' opposition, eventually leading to a 10 point lead over SHS.
White House could not hang on to this lead, however, due to crucial mental errors. Back to back special team penalties, neutral zone infractions on show-blitzes, and an overall lack of focus from the Blue Devils lead to Springfield finding the end zone twice before the first half was over via touchdowns by Hudson and White from 32 and 17 yards out respectively.
Springfield continued to capitalize on the Devils' mental lapses at the start of the third quarter, with an onside kick that would fall right into the hands of the Jackets. Hudson would be relied on heavily during this drive, eventually breaking the plane to give Springfield a 10 point cushion with 6 minutes left in the third.
All of the energy carried into the game from the first half by White House seemingly vanished as the game progressed, and as injuries mounted for the Blue Devils (Seniors Harrison Autman-Springer, Colby Taylor and QB Caleb Anderson all downed for extended periods of time), Springfield continued to take advantage.
On the ensuing Jackets' drive, Kevontay White would pound his way across the goal line to extend the lead to 27-10, but not before freshman defensive back Hunter Thomson can be seen visibly throwing punches at the senior after the whistle. Thomson would be ejected from the game following the play.
A spirited comeback from White House would fall just shy, with Blackburn producing two more touchdowns late in the fourth, and two Kevontay White fumbles keeping the Blue Devils in the game. With two minutes to play at their own 15 and a three point deficit, Anderson would throw right in the direction of Gabe Kelly, who sealed the victory with a pick-six.
Springfield (4-1, 2-0 4A-5) looks to continue their four game winning streak at home next week against Marshall County in a homecoming game. The Tigers (4-1, 2-0 4A-4) won last weeks game at Maplewood High School, 35-20. White House (3-1, 0-1 4A-5) will look to rebound at Watertown September 27th.
-Blaine Kellar is a Broadcasting and Journalism Intern for Social Dweebs, who has covered Springfield High School athletics since 2018.
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