JHS shipwrecks Raiders
Published 10:52 pm Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sophomore sensation Javae Swindle rushed for more than 100 yards and three touchdowns, and Jemison on Thursday defeated Greensboro, 21-6.
The Panthers (4-3, 4-1 Class 4A Region 3), playing in a stadium that was renovated before the season began, put their best foot forward in a game that was moved from its originally scheduled Friday date so it could be televised by WABM Channel 68.
Jemison also improved its playoff outlook, claiming third place in the region with two region games left to play. The top four teams in each region make the playoffs.
JHS made it look easy on its first drive, marching 61 yards in exactly 6 minutes and scoring on a 4-yard run by Swindle.
The hosts then forced a Greensboro 3-and-out, but Jemison wouldn’t record another first down until there were less than 6 minutes remaining in the first half.
That drive resulted in a 6-yard Swindle touchdown run, but Greensboro put points on the board in between the two Jemison scoring drives.
With about 2 minutes left in the first quarter, Jemison quarterback Scott Clements was hit as he attempted a pass. The football fell right in the arms of Greensboro defensive tackle Ladarius Ward, who bobbled the ball momentarily but then rumbled 64 yards for a touchdown.
But the Greensboro defense would up outscoring its offense. Unofficially, Jemison held the visitors to 146 total yards, only eight of which came through the air.
The Panthers also forced three turnovers: Greensboro fumbles were recovered by David King and Justin Nemec, and Jemison’s Jacob Chapman intercepted a Greensboro pass.
Swindle put an exclamation point on the win, and his night individually, with a 3-yard touchdown run with 10:47 left in the game.
Patrick Sims connected on all three point-after tries.
Swindle finished with 129 yards on 25 carries. Isa Bentley added 56 yards on nine carries.
Cody Greer caught two passes for 56 yards.