The Spartans won triumphantly Saturday afternoon, defeating Douglas County 20-14.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
The roller coaster that was the playoff game between the Thomas Jefferson Spartans and the Douglas County Huskies ended on a high note as the Spartans scored a winning touchdown in the last second of the game.
Midway through the first quarter, Senior Running Back Matt Averyhart continued to carry the ball well, as he took a handoff 65 yards to the end zone. After the PAT was made, there would be no more scoring in the first half, as TJ would take a 7 point lead into halftime.
However, the second half of the game was a different story, as Douglas County controlled the ball. The Spartans showed life early on another Averyhart run of 28 yards, but the Huskies would not go away as they scored two straight touchdowns to roar back and tie the game. Then, receiving the ball late in the fourth quarter, the Spartans were able to march down the field. However, penalties would push the Spartans back. Then with approximately 20 seconds remaining, Averyhart took a run to the Huskies 19 yard line. The Spartans got up to the line of scrimmage hiked the ball and, as time was expiring, Senior Quarterback Zach Jackson floated the ball to the left end zone and into the eager hands of Senior Wide Receiver Chase Bostic for the game-winning touchdown. The sideline erupted as the Spartan bench rushed to the end zone to congratulate their hero. “This game meant a lot to us. Not only because it was a playoff game, but also because of our history with Douglas County. This team knows what we have to do to get to state,” said Senior Fullback Valentino Lamorie.
TJ has now advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in two years, and will now advance to the top 18 teams in the state and play Bear Creek at Jefferson County Stadium at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday. Ticket prices are $7 general admission, $5 for seniors and children under 12. There are no passes except CHSAA passes.
