Story and Photo by Brennan Waldorf
The Yellow Jackets started the game on the Surry 47-yard line and immediately deployed its hard nose running offense. The Jackets called five run plays in a row before a false start caused fourth-and-13; they would run a trick play next that showed punt but ended with number 20 rushing for a short gain that turned the ball over to Surry County.
The Cougars would also start their offense with three straight runs but were halted by the Jackets defense causing a three and out. Surry County opened scoring on their next possession through the air after capitalizing on good field position but would miss the field goal making the score 6-0.
The Jackets would answer with a score of their own after a fake handoff saw number 28 Dustin Splawn rush to the left for a 28-yard TD. Tyrell Crockett would punch the go-ahead 2-point conversion in on the next play making the score 8-6.
The Cougars would fumble on their next possession with the Jackets recovering the ball on the 28-yard line. With the same play in action, which allowed them to score before, Dustin Splawn would break out a 39-yard run to the left before being hawked down just 4 yards shy of the end zone. The Jackets’ Liam Sayers, who had several tough runs on the night, would finish the drive with a hard rushing TD. The Jackets would go on to miss their field goal and trade interceptions with the Cougars before allowing a 47-yard rushing TD that brought the score to 14-14 at the half.
The second half was one the Jackets would like to have back as they battled their way back from a 34-14 hole. Surry County’s Kahorie Batten would find the Yellow Jacket end zone three times in the half on carries of 38, 50, and 70 yards. The Jackets continued to move the chains with several strong runs but costly turnovers, penalties, and questionable calls hampered their mounting comeback. The score was 41-28 with 2:02 on the clock when Dustin Splawn made a dazzling one-handed interception. The Jackets’ Liam Flynn would connect with a Yellow Jacket down the sideline for a score but there simply wasn’t enough time on the clock. The Jackets would lose their third game of the season at home on alumni night.
They’ll be home this Friday, Sept. 20, for a blackout game (the crowd and team wears black) against Windsor High School.
