HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The Whitwell Tigers faced off against the Lookout Valley Yellowjackets in their district opener. Hungry for their first win, the Tigers made it clear from the start that they weren’t going down without a fight. Whitwell begins district play 1-0 after a dominant 54-0 blowout victory.
The Yellowjackets had possession first, but Whitwell’s defense quickly forced a three-and-out. On the Tigers’ first play from scrimmage, sophomore Brody Harvey broke loose for a 59-yard touchdown run, putting Whitwell up 7-0. Junior Braedan Bull extended the lead with a 2-yard touchdown run. To close out the first quarter, Levi Griffith found the end zone to make it a three-touchdown lead.
Midway through the second quarter, Whitwell’s defense forced a safety, bringing the score to 22-0. Just two minutes later, sophomore Gabe Ross added to the lead with a 6-yard rushing touchdown. Before the half ended, Colin Beason connected with Griffith on a 37-yard touchdown pass.
The Tigers opened the second half the same way they started the first. Harvey found daylight again, this time for a 35-yard touchdown run. With one minute left in the third quarter, sophomore Bennett Goforth powered into the end zone for yet another score.
The fourth quarter remained relatively quiet until junior Tony Hillis executed a perfectly timed reverse for a 16-yard rushing touchdown to cap off the night.
There were many standout performances, but Harvey stole the spotlight with 100 rushing yards on just five carries, averaging 20 yards per attempt. Defensively, the Tigers were dominant, holding Lookout Valley to -40 rushing yards. Whitwell totaled 287 yards of offense in a game where they controlled every aspect.
The Tigers are back in action Friday at 6:30 p.m. for another district matchup at Copper Basin.
Photos by Kristie Eggert