JESSIEVILLE -- While wireless users had trouble connecting on Verizon's network Friday night, Jessieville quarterback Carson Hair and junior receiver Charlie Davis had no trouble finding an early connection at Don Phillips Field.
The sophomore quarterback dialed up Davis three times for 189 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions' 41-13 mercy ruled win over Dierks (2-1) that concluded a 3-0 nonconference season.
Jessieville scored on its final four possessions of the first half to take a 28-6 lead into the dressing room. Explosive plays keyed the first two scoring drives, with Hair and Davis connecting for touchdowns of 99 and 65 yards in the first quarter.
Working from the slot, Davis ran an over route to get behind the coverage on the 99-yard strike that put the Lions ahead 7-0 with 5:47 to play in the first quarter. He worked up the seam for the second score, with Hair hitting him in stride to extend the lead to 14-6 with 56 seconds left in the quarter.
The Lions took a more methodical approach on the next two scoring drives, going 84 yards in eight plays and 40 yards in seven plays that consumed almost eight minutes of clock. Hair capped both drives with scoring runs of 13 and five yards. He ran for 70 yards on the third scoring drive, including runs of 22 yards on a draw and 37 yards on a lead play.
The Lions continued to press the advantage in the third quarter, with running back Matthew Huff going over from 39 yards out to put Jessieville ahead 34-6 with 9:36 to play in the quarter. He ran for a game-high 97 yards on 12 carries, a mark Hair equaled with 97 yards on nine carries. Both exploited the movement the Lions offensive line affected across the Dierks front.
Center Devin Fleenor, guards Aaron Murders and Ty Lafoon and tackles Tony Muniz and Drew Speers carved out ample room for Lion runners. Y-back Joey Benson ran interference down field, blocking linebackers and defensive backs to help the Lions rack up six runs of 20 or more yards.
Hair's 58-yard touchdown pass to Landen Daley with 6:35 to play in the third quarter, triggered the sportsmanship rule and running clock, putting the Lions ahead 41-6. The high-arching pass found Daley down the boundary after Hair escaped the rush and a lofted a perfect throw. He finished the night 7 of 12 for 260 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the Lions forced three Outlaw punts and two turnovers on downs while holding 6-7 senior tight end Bryce Fox to one catch for 16 yards. Sophomore Konnor Shelton's 62 rushing yards on seven carries led the Outlaws. His 10-yard touchdown run late in the game set the final margin.
Sports on 09/21/2019