Atlanta Middle School Football
Atlanta seventh grade wins district championship in epic fashion
By Coach Matt Johnson
Both Atlanta and Jefferson’s seventh grade teams came in undefeated in district play, it would prove to be a battle of two very talented teams, fans could not have asked for a better game or atmosphere.
First Quarter
Jefferson would get on the board first with a long pass play and go up 6-0. On the ensuing kickoff, Jamarion Austin would take it all the way to the house, keeping his balance down the sideline to even the game up 6-6.
Second Quarter
Markeylin Batton would pick off a Jefferson pass and take it all the way back for a touchdown but it would be negated for a block in the back. On the next play, Braylen Rowe would take the ball around the left end for a touchdown from 12 yards out. Wells Asher Wells would add the 2-point on a nice pass from Easton Owens. Jefferson would answer back quickly as they would return the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a score to bring the score to 14-12.
Third Quarter
Jefferson would drive the ball into Rabbit territory and Batton would make an acrobatic interception, taking the ball out of the receiver’s hands to give the Rabbs the ball back. The rest of the quarter would prove to be a defensive battle from both teams as they went into the fourth quarter with the score 14-12.
Fourth Quarter
This would prove to be an epic quarter with an epic finish. On the first play, Owens would find Asher Wells for the 11th time this season from 75 yards out. This way made possible with key blocks from Rowe, and tackle Jesse Stevens. BJ Edwards added the 2-point to make it 22-12 Rabbs. Brady Partain would recover a perfectly executed onside kick from Juan Campos. On the next play, the Rabbs would fumble and give the ball back to Jefferson. The Bulldogs would score on the next play. The Rabbs would not be able to get it going and Jefferson would get it back, and put together a nice drive and take the lead with 21 seconds left, 26-22. Rickey Brown would recover a key onside kick attempt. The Rabbs called timeout and rallied the troops. Atlanta called Rowe to the sideline and just before he came off the field, the Rabbs snapped the ball and Owens would find Rowe streaking down the sideline. Rowe would catch the ball and zig zag his way and out run the defense for a touchdown to give the Rabbs the lead for good. Austin would add the 2-point to give the Rabbs the lead 30-26. It was an awesome finish, the kids played an amazing game to win the district crown. The Rabbs have one more game in two weeks vs. Hooks at home with game time set for 4:30 p.m.
Eighth grade Rabbs roll over Jefferson to improve to 4-0
By Coach Matt Johnson
First Quarter
Larandion Dowden would intercept a Jefferson pass and the Rabbs would put together a nice drive, after big runs from Dowden and Marquavion Owens. After a nice 7-yard gain on a pass from Dim Limbrick to Will Woodruff, Cooper Swanson would take a jet sweep around the left end from 11 yards out for a score and Limbrick would add the 2-point to make it 8-0. The Rabbs would make a big defensive stop, Owens would tackle the Jefferson running back for a loss on fourth down.
Second Quarter
Limbrick would take the ball around the left end for a 97-yard touchdown, thanks in key part to big blocks from Elvis Smith and Dowden.
Dowden would also add the 2-point to make it 16-0 Rabbs.
Jefferson would complete a big pass play to the tight end and he would rumble all the way down inside the five, where he was run down and stripped from behind by Limbrick.
Fernando Olalde would recover and return the ball to the 30-yard line.
The Rabbs next drive would stall deep in their own territory. The Rabbs defense would once again rise to the occasion, Brannon Sanders and Dowden would hit the Bulldog back for a loss.
Limbrick would continue his big night on the next play with another 96-yard touchdown run, right down the middle of the field, leaving the defense in the dust. He would add the 2-point as well, to make it 24-0 Rabbs.
Third Quarter
The Rabbs would fumble the opening snap and Jefferson would recover. The Bulldogs would take advantage of a short field and score from three yards out to make it 24-6.
The onside attempt would fail, and the Rabbs would start in Jefferson territory.
After a nice run from Dowden, the Rabbs were set up in the redzone.
The ball would be snapped to the right, get away from Limbrick, he picked it up, danced around and like a laser, darted all the way to the endzone for touchdown number three.
Limbrick would finish the game with 211 yards rushing on just nine carries. Dowden would add the 2-point play and the Rabbs had a 32-6 lead.
Dowden would finish the night with 86 yards on just seven carries.
Fourth Quarter
With the clock running, there wasn’t a lot of action in the final quarter.
Jefferson would add one more score in scrap time to cap the scoring 32-12.
The Rabbs will host the Hooks Hornets (5-0) for a chance to capture the district crown on Nov. 7, at Rabbit Stadium.