|
|
||
High school football: Caroline 18, James Monroe 15
BY JUSTIN RICE The James Monroe sideline was in a frenzy. Jackets fans were on their feet, screaming. One more play, one more drive, and JM would escape one more score, and the Jackets could win their homecoming game and keep a perfect season intact. But it was not to be. Caroline's defense made one last stand, and its offense ran out the clock as the Cavaliers scored an 18-15 Battlefield District win at Maury Stadium last night. "We had four shutouts [this year], but tonight--even though we didn't get the shutout--was the biggest," Caroline's Jabrel Mines said. "Our defense stepped up. I couldn't be more proud of them." The Cavaliers (6-1, 2-0) have posted shutouts against King William, Louisa, Henrico and Thomas Jefferson. Last week, in a 14-7 win against Chancellor, they didn't give up an offensive touchdown. Still, Mines could have been right--last night's game was an impressive showing. JM quarterback DeVontae Atkins is a pass-run threat who had 1,000 yards throwing and 1,000 passing last year. Receiver P.J. Hayden is the top pass-catcher in the Battlefield District. Running back Jamel Brooks had 607 yards and nine touchdowns entering the game. But they were all limited last night. "They're scary on offense," Caroline coach Robert Jenkins said. "We had [Mines] keying on Brooks we were trying to make sure we had P.J. covered, and we had to keep Atkins under control." Hayden caught just two passes for 18 yards, and was tossed for a 6-yard loss and a fumble on his only rush. Brooks had a 48-yard run on JM's first play from scrimmage, but finished with just 43 rushing yards on six attempts. And Atkins was 9-of-23 passing with two interceptions. He gained 12 yards on the ground on 10 attempts. The quarterback was under pressure most of the night. That's not unusual for Atkins, but normally he's able to escape a rush and make big plays with his feet. But not against Caroline last night. "All week we prepared with our defensive line getting up the field," Mines said, "and our linebackers containing, and then just tackling drills, making sure we wrap up. Tonight, all 11 players came out focused for us."
Date published: 10/20/2007
I bet JM wont be playing us on homecoming again take that
|
|
||||||||||||||||
