SYLVANIA, Ala. -- Sylvania used timely defensive stops and made impact plays on offense to overwhelm Hokes Bluff 28-0 on Friday.
“Offensively, I felt like we played fairly well despite having to face adversity [with injuries] up front,” said Sylvania Head Coach Tyler Vann. “There were multiple times where our guys were moving them two or three yards.”
On third-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Smith found Brant Kittle in the back of the end zone for a Sylvania touchdown. Conner Andrade’s PAT was good for the 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.
The Rams’ defense made an adjustment and forced a three-and-out. Braiden Thomas finished the next drive from three yards out for a 14-0 lead after the PAT.
Josh Scott hauled in an 18-yard pass from Smith to move the Rams into field goal range, but the attempt was blocked to close out the half at 14-0.
The Eagles opened the second half with a promising drive, but the Rams’ defense made a red zone stand to force a turnover on downs.
Sylvania's Jaxon Smith and Braiden Thomas wait for the snap against Hokes Bluff | Mandy Helton / Special to Southern Torch
Sylvania followed runs by Aiden Parham and Thomas and a completion to Landon Watkins to move down field, and Smith opened the fourth quarter with a scramble for a touchdown and the 21-0 lead.
After forcing another turnover on downs, Sylvania moved into scoring position on Smith passes to Watkins and Scott. Thomas then finished the drive with his second touchdown of the night. Andrade again made the PAT for the 28-0 lead with
3:50 left in the game.
“Defensively, we bent but didn’t break. Our guys stood tall and got a stop or forced a turnover. I was proud of their effort,” Vann said.
Smith finished 12-of-20 passing for 151 yards and a touchdown. Thomas ran 20 times for 143 yards and two scores, and Parham picked up 53 yards on 10 carries. Scott finished with 58 yards receiving, while Watkins caught four passes for 54 yards.
Sylvania matches up against Westbrook Christian Friday night, while Hokes Bluff hosts Piedmont.