Staff photo by Patrick MacCoon / Red Bank senior running back Lumiere Strickland rushed for 124 yards on 15 carries and scored twice to help lead a 28-7 region victory over Signal Mountain.With a powerful front seven and ball hawks in the secondary, Red Bank's defense has let out a roar early this football season.
The third-ranked Lions allowed just 99 yards of offense, and their own attack broke through to break open a tie game in the fourth quarter for a 28-7 victory over visiting Signal Mountain at Tom Weathers Field. It was the Region 3-3A opener for both teams.
"We are very blessed to have a talented defense who does its job and makes plays," Red Bank coach Chris Brown said of the unit, which was led by linebackers Clark Lockerby and Eli Massengale in the first half. "The leadership we get from those guys is special. They made some great reads tonight, but there is still room to get even better."
Red Bank (3-0) found a groove on offense in the fourth as quick slants fired by Madox Wilkey were on point and helped open up the running game.
Red Bank linebacker Clark Lockerby busts through the middle to turn Signal Mountain over on downs. Lions have yet to give up a first down. 4:10 2Q. #BestofPreps pic.twitter.com/jyTUokeF70
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) September 7, 2019
Lumiere Strickland with a beautiful cutback. Scores on a 7 yard run shortly after as he bounces tacklers. Strickland closing the door. 15 play, 85 yard scoring drive comes up clutch. Red Bank 21, Signal Mountain 7. 1:17 4Q. #BestofPreps pic.twitter.com/fiLx4z2zL6
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) September 7, 2019
Red Bank finishes off a tough battle with Signal Mountain. @cbrownrun11 knows his team can even hit another level. #BestofPreps pic.twitter.com/OA3oxUZXjh
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) September 7, 2019
For the second year in a row, Lumiere Strickland was a major factor against the Eagles (1-2).
The senior tailback broke the tie early in the fourth as he exploded for a 32-yard touchdown down the left sideline after a key block opened up a big hole. He also had a nice cutback late on a long run before capping a 15-play, 85-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown up the middle.
Wilkey completed four passes on the game-changing drive that burned 8 minutes and 14 seconds off the clock as the Lions took a 21-7 lead with 1:17 left.
"People underestimate how tough it is to run a slant into linebackers," Brown said. "Maddox made a lot of gutsy throws over the middle in the second half and did not bat an eye. Our rhythm really helped us turn the corner there late to finish a tough battle."
Red Bank's Lucas Brown returned a 40-yard interception late, and Kel Eddins was big in the secondary all night.
Signal Mountain hung with a state power on the road and received big plays from its defense in critical situations throughout the first three quarters.
Jack Wilson's quarterback sneak capped an 8-play, 54-yard scoring drive - set up by Campbell Garner's second takeaway of the game - as the Eagles tied the game with 1:06 left before halftime.
The Lions came up big late again, though, as Strickland's powerful running helped seal the deal.
"I have a love for the game and my teammates do, too," Strickland said after totaling 124 yards on 15 carries. "We keep coming and pounding. Everyone on this team makes us go. It's never going to be just one guy."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.