Southern Sports & Travel, By Darron Thomas
Any doubt that Tri-County was undeserving of top ranked status was put to rest last night in Decatur as the Rebels crushed 7th ranked Newton 35-6. Senior quarterback Lane Williams piled up 121 yards rushing and three touchdowns and the Tri-County defense held Newton to 85 total yards in improving to 7-0 on the year.
Tri-County junior Hunter Wooten’s fumble recovery at the Newton 46 yard line five minutes into the opening quarter set the table for the Rebel’s first scoring drive of the night. The Rebels pounded out a six play drive that produced a six yard touchdown burst off right tackle by senior fullback AJ Boutwell at the 3:37 mark. Lane Williams added the PAT to give TCA an early 7-0 advantage.
(Above) TCA tailback Brady Walker on a scoring run
Tri-County extended the lead on their first possession of the second quarter. The Rebels mounted a nine play, 76 yard drive in which senior tailback Allen Darby accounted for 40 yards on the ground. The four minute drive was capped by a Lane Williams 12 yard dash around the right side at the 6:31 mark. William’s PAT gave the Rebels a 14-0 lead. Newton could muster just 13 yards on their second possession of the quarter and a shanked punt that netted just 8 yards gave Tri-County favorable field position at their own 44 yard line. It didn’t take the top ranked Rebels long to strike. Lane Williams connected with tailback Brady Walker for a quick 20 yards to the Newton 36 yard line. On the next player Williams collected his second touchdown on the night as the senior scampered 36 yards to pay dirt with 1:46 remaining in the half. Williams nailed the PAT to extend the Rebel’s lead to 21-0.
(Above) The Rebel defense kept Newton's run game in check
Tri-County continued their roll to open the second half. A 35 yard kick-off return from Trace Lane set the Rebels up at the Newton 45 yard line. Six plays later Brady Walker cashed in as the senior went in from two yards out four minutes into the quarter. Williams added the PAT for a 28-0 Rebel cushion. The top ranked Rebels would close the deal on their next possession with a 51 yard drive that culminated on Lane Williams’ third touchdown of the night as the senior went in from nine yards out at the 3:35 mark of the third quarter. Williams added his fifth PAT of the night to give TCA a commanding 35-0 lead.
(Above) TCA defensive end Justin Sones (#82) halts Dillon Williams
Newton would do something no team has been able to do since week one, get into the end zone against the best defense in Class A football. The Generals went 63 yards in 12 plays on the running of senior Dillon Williams who pounded out 54 yards on ten carries in the drive. Williams capped the drive with a 9 yard run with 7:01 left in the game. Newton’s 2-point attempt failed. The touchdown ended Tri-County’s defense of holding opponents scoreless at 25 consecutive quarters. Tri-County racked up 293 yards on the ground while their defense held one of the better rushers in Class-A, Dillon Williams, to 63 yards.
The Rebels will enjoy an open week before a home date with 2nd ranked and undefeated Winona in a huge district matchup.
Newton slips to 4-3 and will host Leake next week.
Post Game - Tri-County head coach David Blount
