Coach John Fulks talks after winning 35-13 over Haysi and locking up their third consecutive trip to Salem.
CENTRAL GARAGE- There is a big difference between the previous two years when Essex made the trip to Salem. Haysi got a first hand look at what made this squad special on Saturday. These Trojans aren't a one trick pony and can break a game open at anytime. The large crowd at King William witnessed that first hand.
Rain and Essex offense usually equals low production but that wasn't the case on Saturday. Besides a few slip ups from the wet conditions, Essex looked solid and stepped up when needed. Rasaun Monroe proved to be to fast for the Haysi defenders as he took a wide receiver screen for the first score to make it 7-0 Trojans. Following a Sterling Hammond interception, the Trojans would go up 14-0.
After a couple of turnovers by both teams in the wet conditions, Essex made their only mistake when they went for it on 4th and 10 which Dominek Broaddus pass to Tesahn Nelson would be stepped in front of and returned deep in to Essex territory by Travis Conaway. Tristan Yates would do the honors of finish the drive bursting up the middle. Haysi felt good about where they were only down 14-6 at the half.
After a stronger period of showers moved in there would be no scoring but the drive killing interceptions began to weigh on Haysi. Essex Bryan Richards ended a promising drive by the Tigers with his interception. Essex gave the momentum right back as they drove and fumbled the ball to Haysi and the Tigers knew they had to respond now.
Feeling the pressure, Jalen Sykes would toss his 4th interception as Leo Gaskins returned the ball to the Tiger 16 yard line. Soon after, Malik Martin would twist into the endzone to make it 21-6. The Tigers appeared broken after that as Hammond would go 30 yards for a score making it 28-6. Martin put the icing on the cake with his 56 yard touchdown run following the 5th interception hauled in by Ranaz Newbill. Essex reserves would give up a score on Haysi's last offense drive in school history ended with Chris O'Quinn catching a touchdown pass from Sykes to make the final 35-13.
The Haysi Tigers and their fans "The Red Army" were a spirited bunch that exemplified Southwestern Virginia football.
The game was the last contest for Haysi football which will combined with Clintwood to form Ridgeview High. Hayi finished with an 11-3 record.
Essex (12-2) will face Altavista (14-0) at Salem Field in Salem for a 12noon kick-off
Coach John Fulks stated, "They are a great team we knew they'd be here and we're glad to be playing them." Perfect conditions are expected for Saturday's big game. Stay tuned for more info on the big game as Essex looks to bring home the state title.
