Maury Dominates West View in Opener
Maury Middle School vs. Westview in Season Opener
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports
Different year, same story for Maury Middle School’s football team. The Hornets came in to the opener going 18-0 in their last 2 seasons. Yes, meaning that this year’s 8th grade class has not lost a game in a Hornet uniform.
Head Coach Greg Manis explains, however, this team hasn’t done anything. “What we tell them is they are 0-0” he continued, “Last year’s team was 9-0, the team before that was 9-0, but these guys have not accomplished anything yet.”
They accomplished something Tuesday night though, defeating West View, 48-0 in the season opener for both teams. “It felt good” Manis said, “It felt good to finally play somebody who wasn’t in a practice jersey.”
They started early in Dandridge, as Maury took West View’s first punt of the game to the house, making it 8-0 Hornets with the ensuing 2-point conversion. Then Maury forced a 3 and out and struck again. This time a beautiful 25-yard touchdown grab by Austin Lietch, from quarterback Drew Gregg made it 14-0 Hornets.
Mid way through the 2nd quarter the game was put out of reach, as Chris Hackney took another punt from West View 36-yards to paydirt making it 34-0 at the half.
Chris Hackney then took the 2nd half kickoff 42 yards down to the West View 30 yard line, and 3 plays later, quarterback Drew Gregg would scamper in from 17 yards out. The last touchdown of the game would come after an 18 yard reception, Austin Lietch took a jet sweep 2-yards to the endzone, to make it 48-0.
“Overall good day” Manis said, “We would like to run the offense a little more, but we will take the points.” Manis ended saying “We haven’t earned anything yet, except a big “X” on our back.”
