TJ Rolls Over Boulder

The Spartans get a first-round 26-16 victory over Boulder in the playoffs.

by Marc Houghton

    The TJ football boys will move on to the second round of the 5A state playoffs after their 26-16 win over the Panthers from Boulder on Saturday night at All City Stadium.  Big plays by TJ led to points, after some mistakes gave Boulder scoring opportunities early in the game. 

    After recovering an onside kick on the first play of the game, Boulder moved up the field and kicked a field goal to take a 3-0 lead .  TJ responded after a long run by Devon Fitzgerald and a deep pass from Michael Mankoff to Billy Sprague led to a four yard touchdown run by Mankoff.  Solid runs by Fitzgerald kept the Spartan offense going all night, giving them first downs and moving them into scoring territory. 

    The Panthers took the lead again after a one yard run put them up 10-7 early in the second quarter.  Things were looking grim when the next kickoff was fumbled and recovered by Boulder.  But an interception in the end zone by sophomore defensive back Nasheed Robinson set up a drive that ended with a ten yard touchdown run by Fitzgerald to put the Spartans up 14-10 at the end of the half.

    In the second half, TJ’s two scores came on a 49 yard run by Fitzgerald and a 36 yard carry from fullback Ryan Allen.  Boulder scored once more on a six-yard run to narrow the lead to ten, but the Spartans were able to walk out with the victory. 

    Next week the Spartans will take on the Angels of East at All City Field.  TJ blew out East earlier in the season, and they hope to continue their unbeaten streak against the athletic Angels to move into the third round of the playoffs.