Jefferson Middle ends season with 31-7 loss
Eighth-grade members of the Jefferson Middle Eagles are Amari Bishop, Armani Brown, Jeremiah Cabrera, Gavin Ellison, Judah Holman, Dylan Manley, Landon Thurlow, Lucas Wilburn, and Braylon Wooten.
The Eagles, one of the area’s youngest teams, had a challenging year after winning their season opener against Christian Academy of Knoxville in early August.
With a roster made up mostly of seventh-graders, Jefferson struggled throughout the season, suffering a series of tough losses.
Despite the difficulties, Coach Rodney Ellison expressed pride in his team, especially the eighth-graders who remained dedicated throughout the season.
“I am so proud of our eighth-graders,” he said. “They persevered through some tough losses, but came back to practice, working hard every day.”
In the final game, wide receiver Amari Bishop stepped in as quarterback after Easton Knipp was injured.
Bishop led the Eagles on a 9-play, 81-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run. The drive was highlighted by a 32-yard pass to Jordan Samuelson and a 7-yard toss to Gavin Ellison. Bishop’s touchdown came with strong blocking from eighth-grade linemen Jeremiah Cabrera and Lucas Wilburn.
“I am happy that Amari was able to get in the end zone one more time for JMS,” said Coach Ellison. “And he got there behind some good blocking from a couple of eighth-grade linemen.
“In a special moment for two of our eighth-graders who have been teammates for three years, my son Gavin kicked his final extra point with Amari holding it,” he said.
“The ball was soaked, so for him to catch that snap and get the ball down for Gavin’s kick was a good way to end their middle-school careers.”
Bishop completed four of six passes for 58 yards, rushed seven times for 21 yards, and scored a touchdown. He also caught one pass for five yards.
On defense, Brandon Zamora and Jordan Samuelson each had five tackles. Quan’Davis Watson forced a fumble and recovered it.
On special teams, Gavin Ellison made 10 of 11 extra points this season and kicked a 25-yard field goal, becoming the only player to successfully kick field goals and extra points at Jefferson Middle School since it opened in 1995.