Obviously, no controversy tonight as JM ended up whipping Essex in Tappahannock 37-14. It was certainly not the epic battle of last year and as some thought, a different type of game completely. JM definitely deserved to win and completely shut down the passing game from the 1st play to the end. However, Essex also shot themselves in the foot over and over again.
1) Turnovers Essex 5 JM 1 - (JM caused most, of course, some just mistakes, 3 pics, 2 massive fumbles by Essex during great drives) Many of JM's points were off of turnovers.
2) Penalties on Essex - (lost count, maybe 165 to 200 yards, some at critical times in game)
3) Essex completed one pass the entire game! (and that was like a screen pass in the 4th quarter). Much credit to JM as poor Essex QB was under massive pressure by 2-4 guys every time he went back to pass. 1st offensive play of game was 11 yard loss.
4) Essex would give up or have the momentum taken away every time things turned in the Trojans' favor.
5) JM went up to 21-0 lead, game looked over, Essex got running game going strong, with Leo Gaskins and Hammond. Later, it was 24-14. Play of game (imo)- Essex driving inside 10, on a great run, Essex fumbles around 5. JM scores a few plays later.
So instead of a 24-21 game in the 3rd and momentum with Essex, its 31-14 JM and game over.
The highlights for Essex were an electrifying 66 yard run by Leo Gaskins, a run by big man Payne that seemed to carry most of JM for about 10 yards, but mainly, it was the play of Sterling Hammond. As things seemed to fall apart, Hammond almost tried to take on JM almost singlehandedly. He made countless tackles from all over the field, three that you heard the pop up in the bleachers, and made at least 4 TD saving tackles. Also, had a TD, ran the ball a lot and blocked an extra point. Essex did try to fight back through much adversity so that is a good sign for down the road.
Congrats to JM and good luck on the rest of your season!
This post was edited on 10/3 10:31 PM by uvacavs1
1) Turnovers Essex 5 JM 1 - (JM caused most, of course, some just mistakes, 3 pics, 2 massive fumbles by Essex during great drives) Many of JM's points were off of turnovers.
2) Penalties on Essex - (lost count, maybe 165 to 200 yards, some at critical times in game)
3) Essex completed one pass the entire game! (and that was like a screen pass in the 4th quarter). Much credit to JM as poor Essex QB was under massive pressure by 2-4 guys every time he went back to pass. 1st offensive play of game was 11 yard loss.
4) Essex would give up or have the momentum taken away every time things turned in the Trojans' favor.
5) JM went up to 21-0 lead, game looked over, Essex got running game going strong, with Leo Gaskins and Hammond. Later, it was 24-14. Play of game (imo)- Essex driving inside 10, on a great run, Essex fumbles around 5. JM scores a few plays later.
So instead of a 24-21 game in the 3rd and momentum with Essex, its 31-14 JM and game over.
The highlights for Essex were an electrifying 66 yard run by Leo Gaskins, a run by big man Payne that seemed to carry most of JM for about 10 yards, but mainly, it was the play of Sterling Hammond. As things seemed to fall apart, Hammond almost tried to take on JM almost singlehandedly. He made countless tackles from all over the field, three that you heard the pop up in the bleachers, and made at least 4 TD saving tackles. Also, had a TD, ran the ball a lot and blocked an extra point. Essex did try to fight back through much adversity so that is a good sign for down the road.
Congrats to JM and good luck on the rest of your season!
This post was edited on 10/3 10:31 PM by uvacavs1
