ON THE heels of an off-week, Jefferson proved to be a well-rested, well-oiled machine Friday night.
The Dragons rolled to a 62-26 win over Greene County, piling up 426 yards and tallying their highest point total in three years.
“We were able to run the ball and throw the ball and we were able to get some big first downs by drawing them off-sides,” Jefferson coach T. McFerrin said. “Overall, it was a real good offensive night.”
The contest was decided rather early as the Dragons scored 27 points in the first quarter and led 34-6 at the half. Jefferson upped its lead to 48-12 after three quarters. Jefferson scored nine touchdowns on the night, including a 50-yard punt return by Rodney Carr.
Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs enjoyed a commanding performance in leading Jefferson to its third-straight win.
He ran for 103 yards — his second-straight 100-yard rushing performance — and threw for 159 yards on 11-of-19 passing. Shirreffs both ran and threw for a touchdown.
All totaled, Jefferson finished with 254 yards rushing, getting two touchdowns apiece from three different ball carriers — Tristan Jackson (11 carries, 60 yards), Sammy Williams (six carries, 39 yards) and Austin McAllister (six carries, 52 yards).
Shirreffs completed passes to nine different Dragon receivers.
McKay Dickens caught two of those passes for 49 yards, including a touchdown reception on the Dragons’ second play.
The other targets were Dalton Hill (2-44), Jackson (2-23), Chandler Thompson (1-28), Donnie Hatfield (1-23), Isaiah Blake (1-18), Williams 1-13), Micah Carpenter (1-7) and Hunt Haynes (1-3).
Jefferson, which surrendered 237 total yards, got off to a fast start defensively.
The Dragons forced three consecutive three-and-outs to start the game, and the Jefferson offense answered with three touchdowns.
Greene County, however, ended up scoring three touchdowns against Jefferson’s first team defense before the night was done as the Tigers were able to use their athleticism at receiver against the Dragons.
“They were great receivers,” McFerrin said. “They were really good receivers. And the quarterback would just throw the ball up and my biggest fear is exactly what happened.”
The Dragons’ 62 points were the most they’ve scored since beating Union County 63-28 in 2009.
Not coincidently, the Jefferson offensive line had a standout night in the win with all five starters earning high marks.
“(Offensive line coach) Ben Hall grades the line every week and he said it was by far the best game they’ve played,” McFerrin said.
