Jefferson County High School

[DZbettin]

Jefferson County topped Cherokee 14-0 in the IMAC/Five Rivers Jamboree tonight.

 

The Patriots' first drive started with an 18-yard run by Will Brooks, a 32 yard pass from Gatlin to a diving Nick Sherrod took the ball to the 3 and Brooks took it in from there.

 

Unfortunately, Brooks was hurt on the play, shoulder.

 

On Cherokee's first drive, JC Dback Ben Moore stepped in front of a pass at the JC 40 yard line and took it back to the Cherokee 12. On third down, Gatlin threw a pass to Tyler Stepp, who jumped up and took it over a Cherokee defender.

 

Jefferson County had an opportunity to score once more as it drove down to the 15, however, a 37 yard FG attept by David Henrikson was no good.

 

As bad as JC looked last night against Carter, they looked a lot better tonight. The passing game was awesome, and i look for it to be that exciting all year as long as spencer can get protection.

 

The overall team enthusiasm was at a high level.

 

I am concerned about Brooks' injury. Being the best running fullback on the team, he is a key part to the I-formation, plus he has been one of the most consistent players so far this fall.

 

After a busy week, Jeff COunty won't scrimmage again until next thursday, at home against Farragut.

[wingman10]

How serious is Brook's injury?

[jchspats07]

How serious is Brook's injury?

Brooks is okay he has just had some problems with his shoulder. It may be something to do with is pads.

[wingman10]

Brooks is okay he has just had some problems with his shoulder. It may be something to do with is pads.

Glad to hear. JC doesn't have the depth to have many injuries.

[RedZone22]

It sounds like it went well. Sounds like the running game was pretty solid.

[JCTWP]

bump

[DZbettin]

Patriots gain momentum in Jamboree

BY DARREN REESE

Standard Banner Sports

 

For those who wondered whether or not the kids at Jefferson County still care about football, you need look no further than quarterback Spencer Gatlin to find your answer.

 

After the Patriots got ran over by Knox Carter in a rain-shortened scrimmage Thursday, there was no hiding the disappointment that Gatlin felt inside.

 

"You know, nobody was really taking it serious," the senior signal caller said of the scrimmage. "I was just kinda frustrated because no one was focused. It's not that if you are focused, you are always going to win, but it sure helps out a lot."

 

So it was understandable that Gatlin was feeling a little more optimistic Friday night after the Patriots dominated Cherokee 14-0 in the IMAC/Five Rivers Jamboree.

 

"It was just tremendous," he said. "Seeing the guys come out and just playing with a lot of heart, you couldn't ask for anything any better."

 

It was hard to ignore the energy and emotion that Jefferson County played with in front of the large crowd at Carson-Newman's Burke-Tarr Stadium.

 

Right before they took the field, the Patriots gathered on their own (without coaches) in the corner of the end zone and different players took turns talking the team up. They mentioned things like playing with intensity, forgetting the previous night's effort, and representing Jefferson County football in a positive way.

 

"Being our first game situation, we just wanted to come out and show everybody what kind of team we are going to have this season," said senior captain Brett Denton. "We all know that we weren't as focused last night [against Carter] as we should've been. But we were ready tonight."

 

And then the Patriots went out and showed everyone just how ready they were.

 

When head coach Marty Euverard met with his team on the 50-yard line after the exhibition, Denton's voice stood out over the rest of his teammates.

 

"Jeff. County football is back coach," he said.

 

While a jamboree is intended for the sole purpose of getting players some "game" experience, there is a lot to be said about how the momentum of a good showing can have a lasting effect on a team.

 

"Coming off the kind of year we had last year, everyone is just hyped after a 14-0 showing like this," said Gatlin. "No one really believes in us, so for us to just come out here and give it all we had, it says a lot about this team."

 

Gatlin hasn't been the only one to step up and become a leader during the first two weeks of fall practice. Almost every returning player - meaning the ones who were left after last year's off-the-field controversies - has taken it upon himself to make sure Jefferson County doesn't suffer from the same problems that plagued the team last season.

 

Of course, you would expect that from the seniors on the team, such as Denton and Darren Whitehead. But even the younger guys like Christian McFall, Jonathan Yeary and Adam Rickard have started to show leadership qualitities.

 

Denton explained it by simply saying, "the guys that were left after all that last year are the same ones back again this year, and all we want to do is play football. There isn't a closer knit group of guys than the players and coaches in that Jefferson County field house."

 

The attitude portrayed by the veterans has even started filtering down to the newcomers, which with over 20 sophomores on the roster, make up almost half the squad.

 

At one of Jefferson County's scrimmages in the blistering 90-degree temperatures earlier this month, Darnell Wilson - a backup tight end/linebacker, who just recently transferred in from another state - was overheard saying to one of his teammates, "It doesn't matter whether it's hot or cold, Jeff. County just shows up to play."

 

Now, if the Patriots can just carry that contagious, upbeat attitude over into the regular season, fans might see the same turnaround on the field that has already taken place in the lockerroom

[JC4life]

No offense to Cherokee, but I think after the Farragut scrimmage we`ll have a good idea where the team stands. Anyone know if its going to be a game type scrimmage or the usual type scrimmage?