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TJ Holds Off Late Push From GW, Escapes With Victory

Posted 10/12/2008 by Scott Bruskin

The Spartans prevailed Friday to move their conference record to 5-0, defeating the George Washington Patriots 21-13.
by Scott Bruskin
photo by Kevin Flemingfootball_gw_small.jpg  
    The TJ Spartans took part in a matinee at All City field Friday, as they faced off against DPS rival George Washington High School and, although the game was not as pretty as the Spartans dreamt it would be, it was still a win…and that is all that matters.

    The Spartans jumped ahead early when Senior Running Back Jordan Pruit pounded the ball in from one yard out. TJ was not yet done scoring in the first quarter though, as only a few minutes later Junior Quarterback Zac Jackson threw a dart to Senior Receiver Vince Crespin for a 12 yard touchdown reception.

 
    Just as TJ started to get rolling, George Washington fired back when Quarterback Keenan Black hit Thomas Zapeda for a 55 yard bomb. After that touchdown, the offensive game play came to a halt as both defenses started to rise to the occasion. It was obvious that one of the team’s offenses was going to have to step up and get their team the win, or at least hope that their defenses could score for them.
 
    The next touchdown of the game came late in the third quarter when George Washington recovered a TJ fumble and rumbled 30 yards to the end zone for six points.  However, George could not execute the extra point, as TJ was able to deflect the ball. Everyone could feel the momentum swiftly shift back to TJ after the Pats were unable to convert the extra point.  "George really surprised us; I was surprised how much they were able to slow our running game down.  However, we were still able to come away with a win," said Sophomore Linebacker Robert McMackin.
 
    The fourth quarter was filled with many running plays for both sides, as each team struggled to get anything going. Then on one drive, TJ begin to pass the ball as well as keep up with the run, and it lead to a one yard touchdown scamper from Junior Matt Averyhart, who had another impressive day. With only a few minutes to go, George begin to conduct a drive of their own, marching down the field only to have to go for, and miss a big fourth down and five.  The game was over then, as all TJ had to do was take a knee a few times and kill the clock .
 
    The Patriots showed some grit, but were just not able to stand up to TJ’s offensive balance. This win for Thomas Jefferson sets up a game of monumental proportions next Thursday night, when the Spartans take on the Olympians of Gateway. Both teams come into the game tied for first place in the central Metro League; each boosting a conference record of 5-0. The winner of this game will be in line to win the first ever Central Metro League Championship. The game will be played at All City Field at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 16. This should be a high scoring game, as both teams pack quite a punch on offense, but if TJ’s defense can shut down the Olympian offense, then the Spartans will have a huge chance of winning the game.

Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 
Thomas Jefferson (5-2)
14
0
0
7
21
FINAL
George Washington (2-5)
0
7
6
0
13
October 10, 2008 – AllCity Stadium
 
Scoring Summary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Team
Play
Time
Players
 
 
1st Quarter
 
 
Thomas Jefferson
RUN
–
Jordan Pruitt for 1 yards – CONV: kick made by Rachel Newman
 
 
Thomas Jefferson
PASS
–
Vincent Crespin for 12 yards from Zach Jackson – CONV: kick made by Rachel Newman
 
 
2nd Quarter
 
 
George Washington
PASS
–
Thomas Zapeda for 55 yards from Keenan Black – CONV: kick made by Simon Monley
 
 
3rd Quarter
 
 
George Washington
FUMBLERETURN
–
Scott Sigman for 30 yards – CONV: kick failed by Simon Monley
 
 
4th Quarter
 
 
Thomas Jefferson
RUN
–
Matt Averyhart for 1 yards – CONV: kick made by Rachel Newman
 
 
 
Thomas Jefferson Passing
 
CP/AT
YDS
TD
INT
Zach Jackson
9/17
130
1
0
George Washington Passing
 
CP/AT
YDS
TD
INT
Keenan Black
3/8
72
1
0
 
Thomas Jefferson Rushing
 
CAR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
Matt Averyhart
26
126
4.8
1
–
Jordan Pruitt
9
108
12.0
1
–
Brandon Lowe
4
10
2.5
0
–
Jordan McGee
1
2
2.0
0
–
George Washington Rushing
 
CAR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
Lonnie Allen
22
72
3.3
0
–
Keenan Black
2
13
6.5
0
–
Dion Pinner
7
12
1.7
0
–
 
Thomas Jefferson receiving
 
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
Efrem Woldu
2
53
26.5
0
–
Billy Sprague
3
31
10.3
0
–
Brandon Lowe
2
26
13.0
0
–
Vincent Crespin
1
12
12.0
1
–
Nasheed Robinson
1
8
8.0
0
–
George Washington receiving
 
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
Thomas Zapeda
1
55
55.0
1
–
Levi Peterson
1
14
14.0
0
–
Pahos
1
3
3.0
0
–