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HENDERSONVILLE WEATHER

Hamilton earns first win at White House




White House quarterback, Caleb Anderson (12) makes the call as running back, Ranen Blackburn (9) scores for the Blue Devils against Station Camp.Phil Stauder

White House quarterback, Caleb Anderson (12) makes the call as running back, Ranen Blackburn (9) scores for the Blue Devils against Station Camp.Phil Stauder

For the first time in 33 years, the White House football team took the field without former head coach Jeff Porter roaming the sidelines.

His replacement, former assistant coach Ryan Hamilton, kicked off a new era of Blue Devil football on a high note with a 13-7 home win over Station Camp to open the 2019 season.

“The feeling is indescribable,” Hamilton said. “I couldn’t wait to celebrate with the kids. They played their tails off and played for a common purpose and that’s all we could ask for. I’m very excited.”

Both defenses remained stout for much of the contest as the game remained scoreless until late in the second quarter. A 16-yard run from tailback Ranen Blackburn on a 4th-and-2 put gave White House a 7-0 halftime lead.

After forcing a White House three-and-out to open the second half, Station Camp came up with their biggest offensive play of the night. Quarterback Max Barnett found a wide-open Josh Williams for a 50-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7.

Station Camp captains Luke Allison (51), Keldan Moore (54) Walker Helms (38) and Bradley Raymond.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp captains Luke Allison (51), Keldan Moore (54) Walker Helms (38) and Bradley Raymond.PHIL STAUDER

The Blue Devils wasted little time in responding. They showed they could make big plays through the air, too. On the opening play of their ensuing drive, quarterback Caleb Anderson connected with Logan Neufeld for a 70-yard touchdown. However, the extra point was blocked, giving White House a six-point lead.

“That play was huge,” Hamilton said. “We practiced it all week and talked about it, and our kids knew what to do. We talked about first week jitters, and our kids hung in there and executed. That’s all we can ask of them.”

Anderson finished the game with 117 yards passing, with 110 of those yards going to Neufeld on two throws.

White House gifted Station Camp several mistakes the remainder of the game to help them mount a comeback, but the Bison failed to capitalize.

Late in the third quarter, a pass from Anderson was picked off by Bison defensive back Terry Bradley. Two plays later it appeared Station Camp threw a pick-six, but it was called back on a roughing the passer penalty on the Blue Devils. The drive still resulted in a Station Camp punt.

The White House band performs before the game.PHIL STAUDER

The White House band performs before the game.PHIL STAUDER

With five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, another Station Camp drive was extended after White House was called for running into the kicker. However, the Bison failed to convert another first down and punted after three plays.

“I think our defense played their tails off and we played fairly well for our first game up front,” Hamilton said. “We got a couple of calls here and there that set us back, but our kids overcame it and just kept playing for each other.”

The Blue Devils then converted two first downs to run out the clock and seal the victory.

“We just kept shooting ourselves in the foot tonight,” Station Camp coach Shaun Hollinsworth said. “We can’t keep making mental mistakes at crucial times. We make some good plays offensively but had too many things that set us back. That’s something we need to work on moving forward.”

White House head coach Brian Burton, walks with team captains before their game with Station Camp.

White House head coach Brian Burton, walks with team captains before their game with Station Camp.

Offensively, Blackburn led White House with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.  Terry Bradley had 81 rushing yards on 15 carries for the Bison, while Barnett finished with 114 passing yards.

White House remains at home as they host Glencliff next week, while Station Camp makes the short trip to Gallatin.

White House defenders Evan Webster (24) and Logan Neufeld (13) break up a pass intended for Station Camp’s T.J. Winston.PHIL STAUDER

White House defenders Evan Webster (24) and Logan Neufeld (13) break up a pass intended for Station Camp’s T.J. Winston.PHIL STAUDER

White House RB Ranen Blackburn runs the ball.PHIL STAUDER

White House RB Ranen Blackburn runs the ball.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp’s Stockton Pyne (84) blocks for running back Landon Rowe (27) during Friday night action against White House.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp’s Stockton Pyne (84) blocks for running back Landon Rowe (27) during Friday night action against White House.PHIL STAUDER

Kevin Tate gains some yards against Station Camp.PHIL STAUDER

Kevin Tate gains some yards against Station Camp.PHIL STAUDER

Bison running back Terry Bradley (23) finds running room against White House.PHIL STAUDER

Bison running back Terry Bradley (23) finds running room against White House.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp QB Max Barnett (12) avoids White House tackler Harrison Autman-Springer (10) for a  short gain.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp QB Max Barnett (12) avoids White House tackler Harrison Autman-Springer (10) for a  short gain.PHIL STAUDER

It was tough night for Station Camp quarterback Max Barnett (12). White House linebacker Drew Ferrell makes the tackle on this play.PHIL STAUDER

It was tough night for Station Camp quarterback Max Barnett (12). White House linebacker Drew Ferrell makes the tackle on this play.PHIL STAUDER

White House receiver Logan Neufeld (13) makes a catch and heads for the end zone.PHIL STAUDER

White House receiver Logan Neufeld (13) makes a catch and heads for the end zone.PHIL STAUDER

Mac McIllwain (15) connects on an extra point from the hold of QB Max Barnett.PHIL STAUDER

Mac McIllwain (15) connects on an extra point from the hold of QB Max Barnett.PHIL STAUDER

SC quarterback Max Barnett (12) dives for the goal line, but White House defender Wil Blackburn (27) keeps him from scoring.PHIL STAUDER

SC quarterback Max Barnett (12) dives for the goal line, but White House defender Wil Blackburn (27) keeps him from scoring.PHIL STAUDER

D5B_2672.jpgPHIL STAUDER

D5B_2672.jpgPHIL STAUDER

Station Camp athletic trainer Andy Yarbrough adjusts the brace on Max Barnett's knee.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp athletic trainer Andy Yarbrough adjusts the brace on Max Barnett’s knee.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp wide receiver Josh Williams (1) can’t hold on to a possible TD pas as White House defender Logan Neufeld (13) watches.PHIL STAUDER

Station Camp wide receiver Josh Williams (1) can’t hold on to a possible TD pas as White House defender Logan Neufeld (13) watches.PHIL STAUDER

The Blue Devils enter the field honoring Austin Grissom, who wore No. 31 and graduated in 2016. Grissom passed away unexpectedly last week. PHIL STAUDER

The Blue Devils enter the field honoring Austin Grissom, who wore No. 31 and graduated in 2016. Grissom passed away unexpectedly last week. PHIL STAUDER

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