The odds might be against West Ridge, but don’t expect senior quarterback Bryson Horne to shy away.
Horne — making his first start of the year last week after Trey Frazier was lost to a wrist injury — kept the Wolves (4-2, 1-2 Region 1-6A) within striking distance at Science Hill. Horne just might not have as much time to set and throw Friday night at Jefferson County, which fields what’s proven to be Region 1-6A’s toughest line.
“Bryson played great (against Science Hill),” Wolves coach Justin Hilton said. “He did everything we asked and led the way we needed him to.
“He makes the correct reads and gets the ball out quick. He can run, but his biggest strength is his football IQ and leadership.”
Horne completed 16 of 27 passes for 122 yards against the Hilltoppers. Running back Chase Gill accounted for both touchdowns, gaining 80 yards on 20 attempts. For the year, Gill has 400 yards on 68 carries with six touchdowns, and Ethan Amyx has gained 120 yards with two scores.
Sawyer Tate is up to 469 yards and six touchdowns receiving on 31 catches. Dylan Fore has 11 catches for 106 yards and a TD.
HISTORY ON THE LINE
Jefferson County (5-1, 3-0), riding its first five-game winning streak since the 2003 season, can clinch the No. 1 playoff seed for Region 1-6A with a win Friday night.
The Patriots haven’t won their conference outright since 1994, coach Spencer Riley’s senior year. They split the title in 2003 and 2010.
A senior-heavy and deep front seven has helped pave the way this year. Junior lineman Nic Moore, who starts both ways, has already garnered interest from Power Five schools.
All four of the team’s linebackers — Emmitt Newman, Bradon Griffin, Hayden Churchwell and Dallas Williamson — are seniors.
“Big front three and very aggressive linebackers,” Hilton said. “I’ve seen very few big plays on them. They make you earn every yard.”
DEEP BACKFIELD
Running back Omarian Mills — who did a number on the Wolves in last year’s meeting —already has 804 yards and seven touchdowns on 106 carries this season. Skylar Thomas is second on the team with his 383 rushing yards and six scores, but sophomore Shawn Jackson — who has 290 rushing yards and three touchdowns— is also the Patriots’ second-leading receiver with eight catches for 83 yards and three touchdowns.
Mason Henderson tossed two picks against Oak Ridge but has settled in since, having hit 51 of 88 passes for 636 yards and seven touchdowns.
Bryson Letterman has 456 yards and three TDs on 27 receptions.
“Everyone commits so heavily to their run game, and rightfully so, but (Henderson) has the ability and arm to make those plays to keep you honest,” Hilton said.
Friday’s kickoff in Dandridge is set for 7 p.m.
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