Norris Senators edge Eagles 20-14
Norris Middle School earned its second-consecutive victory early last week, notching a key road win to carry momentum into their bye week.
The Senators (2-1) edged Jefferson 20-14 in the Eagles’ home opener at Blankenship Field on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
The Senators struck first when Hunter Wade blocked a Jefferson punt, which Norris capitalized on with a 29-yard touchdown run by Cam Wilcox, making the score 6-0. The Eagles responded later when Quan’Davis Watson intercepted a pass, halting a Norris drive.
However, Norris extended its lead to 12-0 when Cooper Downs connected with Riley Miller on a 10-yard touchdown pass, capping off a 15-play drive.
Jefferson started the second half with a big play when Gavin Ellison successfully executed an onside kick, recovered by Brandon Zamora.
The Eagles then orchestrated a 12-play, 50-yard drive, ending with a 5-yard touchdown run by Jordan Samuelson. Ellison’s extra point closed the gap to 12-7.
Norris responded with a 4-yard touchdown run by Coltyn Noe, who also added the two-point conversion to extend the lead to 20-7.
Jefferson finished the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, followed by another successful PAT from Ellison, making the final score 20-14.
Longtime Norris Coach Richie Noe praised Downs, who stepped up at quarterback after starter John David Gillum was injured.
“Cooper is doing a great job,” Noe said. “John David will be back soon.
Noe also had praise for Wade, noting, “Hunter Wade is becoming a better linebacker. He has very little experience, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him, and that’s really a pleasant surprise.”
Despite the loss, Jefferson Coach Rodney Ellison said he was pleased with his team’s effort. “We played pretty well except for the blocked punt,” Ellison said.
“We didn’t turn the ball over, and we didn’t give up big plays. On special teams, Gavin was 2-for-2 on extra points, and we had the successful onside kick—those were positives.”