Patriots Take the Low Ground Against Science Hill Hilltoppers, 42-18

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

The Jefferson County Patriots took to Leroy Shannon Field one last time for the regular season to host the Science Hill Hilltoppers Friday night. Before the game, seniors from all fall sports teams were honored for their hard work over the season.

The first quarter of play turned out to be the battle of the defenses. The Patriots’ defensive line worked diligently to hold the Hilltoppers at bay, keeping them out of the endzone until about halfway through the second quarter, when the dam broke. With just over 6 minutes left in the second quarter, Science Hill Quarterback Jaylen Adams handed off to running back Canaan Mackie to put the Hilltoppers on the board for the first time. Unable to cash in for the time being, the Patriots defense was called back out on to the field. About 5 minutes and an 80 yard drive later, the Hilltoppers found their way to the endzone once again to end the half, 14-0.

The third quarter opened up with the Hilltoppers gaining the ball once again, and hitting paydirt on the first drive of the half. Before the Patriots could blink, the Science Hill Hilltoppers were up 21-0, but the Patriots had plenty of fight left in them. Late in the third quarter, Bryson Sexton connected with Michael Ealy for a Patriot touchdown. The attempt for a two point conversion was not successful. The Hilltoppers may have answered with a score of their own, extending the lead 28-6, but the Patriots were not through, and had a few tricks up their sleeve for the fourth quarter.

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Staff Photo by Angie Stanley

Introducing himself to the endzone once again, Ealy grabbed another touchdown from Sexton, putting the Patriots on the board once more, closing in on the Hilltoppers lead. Carlos Gayton executed an onside kick midway through the fourth quarter, and Jefferson County once again had the ball. Sexton lead another drive to the endzone, and with a keeper, put the Patriots on the board yet again. Gayton struck gold once more with another onside kick, and the Patriots were fighting even harder to make senior night a ball game to remember. Gaining quickly on the Hilltoppers’ lead, the Patriots made a drive late in the game. With the score 35-18, and just under 6 minutes left in the game, the Patriots had the game within 3 possessions. Unfortunately, late in the drive, as the Patriots were closing in on the redzone, a Sexton pass intended for Ealy was picked off, and the Hilltoppers took full advantage. A four minute drive down the field resulted in another trip to the endzone for the Hilltoppers, and any hope for a comeback by the Patriots was thwarted. The game closed with a Hilltopper victory, 42-18.

The defense did not give up throughout the night, even if it seemed like they were outsized for the battle. Seniors Tucker Seay and Zack Rogers had a combined effort of over 24 tackles for the evening, and sophomore Issac Workman battled down seven. Senior Michael Ealy made it to the endzone twice after capturing long passes from Sexton.

The Patriots are gearing up to hit the road to Kingsport on Friday to face off against Dobyns-Bennett. The 4-4 Indians have proved to be a thorn in the Patriots’ side, and always results in a tough battle. D-B is coming off a 34-21 win against the Bearden Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 7:30.

Source: Angie Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports