Spalding High’s Anthony Bush (20) scores a TD as Rutland's Brandon Bawn gives chase in the first half Friday night at Memorial Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Steve Knight)
Spalding remains undefeated so far, improving to 1-0-1 while Rutland falls to 1-1.
The Jaguars of Spalding scored a touchdown on offense, defense and special teams Friday and they forced seven Rutland turnovers, compared to only two for the home team.
Rutland quarterback Darren Tucker made the most miscues, as he went 9 of 24 passing for 123 yards and 4 interceptions (2 by Bush). The Hurricanes also turned the ball over on downs twice and lost a fumble. The only reason this game was close was because Spalding committed 8 penalties for 71 yards; several of the Spalding penalties kept Rutland drives alive.
Bush nabbed his first interception in the first quarter and ran it more than 50 yards to the end zone, but it was called back due to a block in the back by Spalding. Bush scored three plays later on offense anyway as he was the recipient of a 24-yard touchdown pass from Powell Krepps at the 8:48 mark. Jake Jeffcoat’s point-after attempt was good and Spalding took an early 7-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Tucker’s second interception of the game — this time to Jags defensive back Garrett Bell, who ran it 46 yards for the TD — gave Spalding a 14-0 lead, which it took into halftime.
Rutland scored at the start of the third quarter on a 12-yard run by Tucker to put the Hurricanes back in the game at 14-7. Thanks to two pass interference penalties by Spalding on Rutland’s first drive of the fourth, the ’Canes ended up with a TD run by tailback Montez Cheney to cut the Jags lead to 14-13 with 9:22 remaining.
Spalding’s Ben Allen blocked the point-after attempt and the score stood at 14-13.
On the ensuing kickoff, Spalding’s Brandon Thomas (22 carries, 75 yards) caught the ball at the Jags 23, scampered through the middle and ran untouched down the sidelines 77 yards for the touchdown. The extra point was missed and the lead stood at 20-13.
Rutland had its chances to try and tie the game late in regulation, but Tucker threw an interception to Jags DB Phillip Goodrum and Rutland wideout Marquez Bell lost a fumble after a catch-and-run (recovered by Spalding's Devontez Carter) to end drives. Spalding strictly ran the ball in the second half, but it couldn’t get first downs late in the game, giving the ball back to the 'Canes.
Rutland’s last hope was a desperate fourth-down pass in Jags’ territory by Tucker with 25 seconds left but once Bush intercepted it and took a knee, the Jags headed into their off week as winners.
SPALDING HIGH
Preseason
Date |Opponent |Time
8/17 |Pike Co. |W 25-13
Regular Season
Date |Opponent |Time
8/31 |Lamar Co. |T 3-3
9/7 |Rutland |W 20-13
9/14 OPEN
9/21 |@ Locust Grove |7:30
9/27 |Dutchtown |7:30
10/5 |@ Upson-Lee* |7:30
10/12 |@ Riverdale* |7:30
10/19 |@ Jonesboro* |7:30
10/26 |North Clayton* |7:30
11/2 |Griffin* |7:30
11/9 |Region Playoff
* — Region 4-AAAA, Div. B
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