By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
J.U. Blacksher’s Bulldogs improved to 6-1 after another dominating performance that led to a 50-0 win over Washington County’s Bulldogs last Friday, October 4.
Quarterback K.D. Rabb rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown on seven carries to lead the offense, and Tucker Spence spearheaded the defense with six tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked a punt.
Rabb also went 3-for-4 passing, for 154 yards and two touchdowns, and Jaylen Hunt tallied six tackles to complement Spence’s effort. JaDaniel Nettles carried the ball nine times for 84 yards to support Rabb’s offensive performance.
The Bulldogs came out of the gate slow, giving up an onside kick to start the game, but took possession back during the visitors’ first drive when Deon Hill intercepted a pass during a fourth-down conversion attempt.
JUB then drove the ball downfield 97 yards on its first drive, scoring on a 25-yard Nettles run, which was followed by a Spence two-point conversion run. The homestanding Bulldogs took an 8-0 lead, all the points they would need on the night.
During the next WC possession, the JUB defense struck again, recovering another fumble that paved the way to a 77-yard TD pass from Rabb to Tucker. Another Spence two-point conversion extended the first period lead to 16-0.
With just over a minute left in the first quarter, Rabb struck again, rushing 23 yards for another JUB touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, and the Bulldogs held a 22-0 lead.
The scoring frenzy continued into the second quarter, as Rabb came up with a 57-yard pick-six interception. Nettles added the two-point conversion for a 30-0 JUB advantage.
Turnovers kept plaguing the visiting team as WC fumbled on the first play of the following drive, paving the way for another JUB scoring drive. JUB offensive lineman, Kane Singleton picked up an almost-costly Rabb fumble and drove into the endzone for a 4-yard touchdown, Singleton’s first ever. Andrew Dawson’s PAT kick made it 37-0.
With just over five minutes left in the first half, Rabb connected on a 67-yard touchdown pass to Tucker. Dawson’s extra-point kick was blocked, and JUB took a 43-0 halftime lead.
The third quarter passed by quietly for both teams, with no noteworthy action.
JUB took away the final bone for the Washington County, scoring a final touchdown on a Deon Hill 3-yard dash into the endzone. Dawson followed through with the extra-point attempt for the final score.
“We got off to a slow start,” JUB head coach Wes Sims said. “I was, however, happy with the way that we bounced back. The guys had a really good game, and this win should move us into the (Top 10) rankings this week.”
JUB is slated to travel to Chickasaw this Friday, October 11, for another key Class 2A, Region 1 encounter. Blacksher, which earned points but did not make last week’s Top 10, is currently 3-1 in region play. The Bulldogs trail only Leroy and Cottage Hill Christian, both of which are 4-0.
“Chickasaw is a good team,” Sims said. “Despite having the best game that we have played all year last week, Chickasaw will come out playing. We have to continue to tackle well and execute. Patience will be a big key.”