Robertsville wins conference, sets sights on Norris matchup
Robertsville Middle School’s football team secured the Tennessee Valley Athletic Conference regular-season championship with a decisive 42-7 victory over crosstown rival Jefferson at Blankenship Stadium, also earning the Oak Ridge City Championship.
Despite the dominant performance, Robertsville first-year head Coach Ron Gray emphasized that the Rams still have something to play for as they prepare to face defending conference champion Norris on Thursday night at Anderson County High School.
The Rams (6-1, 5-0 in the conference) may meet the Senators again in the opening round of the playoffs, but Gray made it clear he isn’t planning to stand down.
“People asked me if I’m going to rest my starters, and I’m not resting my starters,” Gray said.
“We’re going to play. I want that conference championship.”
Robertsville got off to a fast start, building a 36-0 lead by halftime and invoking the mercy rule.
Kamoni Willis starred on both sides of the ball for the Rams, with a 44-yard interception return and a 60-yard touchdown reception.
Josiah McClure rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on three carries, while Le’Meire Porter added 59 yards and a touchdown.
Jaxon Billingsley contributed 25 yards on five carries.
Jefferson’s coach, Rodney Ellison, whose team fell to 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the conference, acknowledged his team’s struggles but highlighted some positives.
“We turned the ball over,” Ellison said.
“We’ve got a young team, but the future is bright. We had a sack shared by eighth-grader Dylan Manley and sixth-grader Isaac Hernandez, so our future is bright.”
Jordan Samuelson scored Jefferson’s lone touchdown on a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Gavin Ellison added the extra point.
