Norris Middle tops Clinton 26-0, prepares for finale
Norris Middle School is heading into the final week of its regular football season on a high note, after winning a rivalry game in impressive fashion last week.
The Senators secured a 26-0 victory over Clinton Middle School on Thursday night at Anderson County High School.
Norris got touchdowns from Riley Miller, Ty Page, Coltyn Noe, and Mason Wells.
Nash Pope also contributed with a successful two-point conversion against the Hawks.
Quarterback Cooper Downs had a stellar performance, proving to be a dual threat for the Senators.
He completed 10 of 14 passes for 187 yards.
Downs, who improved to 4-1 as a starting quarterback for Norris, also finished the contest with 52 rushing yards.
Norris will face Robertsville in the regular-season finale for both schools on Thursday night at Anderson County High.
The Rams (6-1 overall, 5-0 in the Tennessee Valley Athletic Conference) can clinch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a win over the Senators.
However, Norris Coach Richie Noe is looking forward to the opportunity to play spoiler, as his team enters the game with a 4-2 record.
“We can’t win the league because we have two conference losses and they don’t have any,” Noe said.
“But we feel pretty good going into this game because we have an identity now that we’re not rotating quarterbacks. Cooper has really played well. He’s 4-1 as a starter.”
Defensively, linebacker Hunter Wade had a standout night against the Hawks, recording 11 tackles, making an interception, and recovering a fumble. Wade also blocked a punt on special teams.
“Hunter Wade is really a good football player and he had a big game,” Noe said.
William Hinkle delivered arguably the biggest play of the night when he stopped a trick play by the Hawks.
Clinton attempted a home run throwback play reminiscent of the Tennessee Titans’ “Music City Miracle” in the AFC playoffs, but Hinkle’s defense ensured the Hawks didn’t reach the end zone, potentially shifting the game’s momentum.
“If William hadn’t stopped that play, Clinton probably would’ve scored,” Noe said.