Patriots Fall to South-Doyle, 41-14
JCHS vs. South Doyle
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports
University of Tennessee commit, Jocquez Bruce, scored three touchdowns and led South-Doyle to a convincing win over Jefferson County in the conference opener for both teams. The Cherokee’s are favored by many to win the IMAC this season, and they left few doubting that on Friday night. “They’re a good football team, they are ranked where they are for a reason.” JCHS head coach Kenny Cobble said. “…they have a lot of kids that have started since their sophomore season, and it shows.”
Jefferson County struck first when Junior, Dalton Morgan, stepped in front of a Brody Rollins pass and returned the interception to the Kee’s 46-yard line. A few short plays later quarterback, Noah Carter, found Gorel Soumare down the far sideline for a 30-yard touchdown on 4th and 10. “ I knew it was a tight window, but when I saw Gorel make the catch I knew it was going to be a touchdown.” Carter said. The extra point was good and the Patriots led early 7-0. That lead was short lived as on the ensuing drive South Doyle’s, Malik Lundy, would plunge his way in from 2 yards out to tie the score at 7. Jefferson County would struggle on the offensive side with their next possession, but the score was tied after the first quarter, 7-7.
The 2nd quarter again proved to be the turning point of the game, much like a week ago against Knox Central. South-Doyle scored 20 points in the frame and opened a commanding 27-7 lead. The 2nd quarter did see Sevier County transfer, Austin Jenkins (6’4” 190lbs), make his debut in a Patriot uniform at quarterback. However, the Patriots trailed at the half 27-7.
Cobble claimed the blame for his team’s lack of production in the 2nd quarter, “ We have to worry about us ….I have to do a better job getting these guys ready to play 4 quarters.”
With Jenkins at quarterback, starting quarterback Noah Carter, would move to the slot receiver position and become Jenkins “go to” guy. Cobble agrees there aren’t many like Carter around, “He is capable of doing so many things as a football player.” He added “Noah Carter is a guy we have to get the ball in his hands and get him out in space.”
Jenkins would complete over half of his completions to Carter and the two seemed to have good chemistry early in the season. Jenkins would find fellow junior, Dalton Morgan, for his only touchdown, a 9-yard screen pass. Jenkins would finish the game 11-23 for 75 yards and a Touchdown in his debut, while “Mr. Everything” Carter would finish 3-10 for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Spencer Randles would again lead the Pats rushing attack with 37 yards on 17 carries. Carter would add 15 yards on 6 carries as the Patriots Offense would amass 216 total yards over the span of the game. While the score may not show it, the Pats defense only allowed 326 yards of total offense.
Jefferson County returns to action next Friday night as they travel to class 4A power Greeneville. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
