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Tigers rout Bearcats, 41-0

Wed, 09/28/2022 - 5:00 am

Henrietta quarterback Garrett Blevins averaged 120 yards of rushing heading into Jacksboro’s Homecoming game Friday, Sept. 23, the Bearcats bringing an unbeaten 4-0 record and state ranking anywhere from 8th to 13th.

That should change this week, as the Tiger defense made a statement in allowing 123 total yards and forcing five turnovers in a 41-0 win over the visitors before a decent crowd at Tiger Stadium.

Jacksboro is now 3-0 at home in 2022 (3-2 overall).

Blevins was held to 45 yards on 14 carries, just two carries for zero yards in the second half before being benched.

The Tigers took control of this one early, marching 67 yards in seven plays on their opening drive. The last 28 of them coming a pass from Lando Belcher to a wide open Kaleem Howard.

It was the first four scoring strikes for Belcher and the first of two to Howard.

Cannon Valenzuela delivered the first of five turnovers, picking off a Blevins pass on the second possession. While it was to no scoring avail, it set the tone for the rest of the night.

Following a Bearcat punt, one of six on the night, Jacksboro picked up an insurance score. Using Luke Sams and Belcher on the ground, the 69-yard drive ended with Sams going 18 yards around the right side to the promised land. Randall Bustos’ extra point was good for a 14-0 lead.

A Paul Shackelford interception set up a 43yard scoring toss from Belcher to Valenzuela, who split three defenders on his way to the end zone with 14 seconds left in the half.

Jacksboro out-gained Henrietta 228-83 in the first two quarters.

The turnover parade continued for the visitors, Ryan English recovering a fumble at the Bearcat 43 four plays into the opening drive of the second half. That led to a Belcher 18-yard scoring run five plays later to extend the lead to 27-0.

After an excellent punt return by Howard, Jacksboro went 22 yards, capped by a nine-yard TD toss to Tyler Mitchell. Jacksboro took advantage of lackadaisical special teams with an onside kick which was recovered by Bustos.

Three plays later, Belcher and Howard combined again, this time on a 35-yard strike to end the scoring.

Despite not scoring, the Tiger defense continued to play hard. Kaden Dennis came through with a big quarterback sack on fourth and eight from the Jacksboro 13 to keep the ‘Cats from scoring. Christian Wiggins’ fumble recovery sealed the deal late.

The Tigers are off this week and will open District 5-3A Division II play and continue the three-game homestand with Eastland at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.