Malik Martin rushed for over 100 yards, 2 touchdowns, and had an interception on the afternoon.[/B]
CENTRAL GARAGE- The Essex Trojans didn't have the big numbers in their stands but they did have it on the scoreboard as Coach John Fulks clinched their 3rd trip in a row to Salem. The victory was quite convincing as the 4th quarter the Trojans offense and defense became in sync. By doing so it eliminated in hope of a comeback in this one. For 3 quarters the Tigers made had a shot to change things around.
After going 3 and out on their first possession, Essex has able to take advantage of the speed of Rasaun Monroe who caught a short toss from Dominek Broaddus and was a blur to the endzone from 23 yards out to give the Trojans a 7-0.
Haysi would try to drive the ball but quarterback Jalen Sykes' pass would be intercepted by Sterling Hammond. At the 9-minute mark in the second, Leo Gaskins would leap over two defenders to give Essex a 14-0.
After that things would get sloppy like the weather for Essex. The Trojans fumbled the ball driving for a score. Malik Martin would intercept a pass with 2:41 left before the half. The Trojans would try to run their 2-minute drill and went for it on 4th 10 in Haysi territory. Broaddus threw a pass to Monroe that would be picked off by the Tiger's Travis Conaway. It appeared to have a pick six but the speed of the Trojans was able to track him down inside the 10. Fullback Tristan Yates would give the momentum to Haysi going into the half as he would go in from 3 yards out. Haysi went for the two-point conversion and failed.
Halftime the score would be 14-6 Essex.
Haysi had another interception as Bryan Richards ended the drive as the weather that was expected to aid them was affecting Sykes release. Essex would not capitalize immediately as on the first play of the 4th quarter the Trojans would have a botched hand off fall to the ground in which Haysi recovered. The Red Army was very excited as they were hoping to have a repeat of last Saturday.
Bryan Richards gets a tackle for a loss as he made big plays on defense all afternoon.[/B]
It would not take long before Sykes' pass would be intercepted by Gaskins. He would return it down to the Haysi 16 yard line taking the life out of the visiting crowd. Martin would dash into the endzone from 14 yards out to make it 21-6 at the 9:10 mark in the 4th.
Haysi would turnover the ball on downs and then Hammond would explode through a crease in the defense and go 30 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-6 Essex with 5:12 left to play.
Essex Ranaz Newbill would get an interception that gave everyone the go ahead and make those reservations in Salem with only 3:28 left. On the very next play the Essex faithful got their confirmation with Martin went 56 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-6 with 3:17 to play.
Haysi would close things out with Sykes hitting Chris O'Quinn catching an 11 yard touchdown pass with 1:24 left to play. 35-13 Essex with the lead.
"I was really proud of our offensive line and how they came out in the second half and blocked," stated Essex coach John Fulks.
The Essex defense would come up with 5 interceptions on the afternoon. The Trojans will now set up a rematch of last year's 1A title game as they will face Altavista for a 12noon kick-off in Salem. Last year Essex fell to the Colonels 21-0.
"I think my guys are going to be hyped up for that (rematch with Altavista). I believe the two best teams have advanced and I think it will be one great game, " added Coach Fulks.
Jalen Sykes gets sacked here as a drive opportunity ended.[/B]
HAYSI 0 6 0 7 - 13
ESSEX 7 7 0 21- 35[/B]
E- Monroe 23 yard reception from Broaddus (Robert Umphlette kick)
E- Gaskins 2 yard run (Umphlette kick)
H- Yates 3 yard run (run failed)
E- Martin 14 yard run (Umphlette kick)
E- Hammond 30 yard run (Umphlette kick)
E- Martin 56 yard run (Umphlette kick)
H- Conaway 11 yard pass from Sykes (Andrew Honaker kick)[/I]
This post was edited on 12/7 12:57 AM by TheSel2
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