Spartans Lose a Thriller
Posted 10/26/2008 by Jake Hazan
East beats TJ by one point in season finale.
by Jake Hazan
photo by Kevin Fleming
TJ Spartan and East Angel sporting match-ups are always highly anticipated when the schedules are released at the beginning of every athletic season. This autumn, the football meeting between the two schools was no exception. Unfortunately for the Spartans, it was a gathering they would like to forget, as they dropped their regular season finale 21-20 on a brisk Friday evening at All City Field.
After a scoreless first quarter, East Tailback Robert White pounded the ball into the end zone for a 1-yard Angel touchdown in the opening seconds of the second quarter.
The Angels were able to strike again on their next offensive possession after a 2-yard run by standout Tailback Quintin Hildreth. Following another successful extra point kick by Zach Grossnickle, the Angels now defended a 14-0 second quarter lead.
Moments later, the Angels would score again as TJ Quarterback Zack Jackson was unable to handle a wild snap, resulting in a fumble which was picked up by East defender Jodeci Slaughter, who trotted into the end zone, giving East a massive 21-0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half would be a completely different story for the Spartans, as they jumped out of the gates looking motivated and re-energized.
One play after Billy Sprague blocked an Angel punt, he caught a dart thrown down field by Jackson, putting the score at 21-7.
Not long after, Matt Averyhart continued his strong play this season and found his way to the end zone, narrowing the Angel lead to 21-13. The Spartans would not convert the extra point kick after the touchdown, which would play a factor later on in the showdown.
The TJ comeback effort would persist as Robert McMackin stripped Hildreth of the football, and the ensuing fumble would be recovered by the Spartans.
Unable to get anything going on the offensive side of the ball, the Spartans brought out their punting squad to boot it down the field. As the ball was snapped three East special teams players swarmed Punter Brandon Tara, who craftily dodged all three Angels and sprinted up the field for a Spartan first-down.
The following play made the TJ faithful jolt out of their seats, as Jackson found receiver Nasheed Robison in the end zone for a 36-yard Spartan touchdown. The stage was set, and TJ was only down one point with 3:29 remaining in the 3rd quarter.
To the Spartans dismay this is where the wild ride would end, as neither team would score in the fourth quarter. TJ had a gripping final possession of the game, but could not put any points on the board in the final minute of the contest.
The first half of this game was clearly dominated by the Angels, and their 21 point lead would prove to be insurmountable, even after the exhilarating comeback by TJ that any football fan can appreciate.
The 5A playoff brackets will be released on Monday, October 27, so the Spartans will anxiously await their seeding and forthcoming opponent.
