SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
Marion County opened the first round of the TSSAA Class 2A playoffs with a resounding 49-13 win over Jackson County in a Thursday night matchup.
The Warriors (10-1) scored on each of their first four possessions, setting the tone early. Mason Mays punched in a 9-yard touchdown to make it 6-0, but the Blue Devils (6-5) responded with a 16-play drive that drained more than eight minutes off the clock and ended with a 25-yard field goal.
It didn’t take long for Marion to strike back. On just the second play of the next drive, Jayden Frazier broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Zaiden Humphrey connected with Brayden Pickett for the two-point conversion to extend the lead to 14-3.
Jackson County quickly answered with a 60-yard touchdown reception, cutting the margin to 14-10. But the Warriors’ offense — and special teams — proved too explosive. On the ensuing kickoff, Neno Humphrey returned it 60 yards to the house to push the lead back to double digits. Ashton Martin added an 8-yard touchdown run just before halftime to give Marion full control.
The Blue Devils managed only a field goal in the second half as Marion’s defense tightened its grip. The Warriors tacked on three more touchdowns, including another score from Mays, who finished with 60 yards and two touchdowns. Humphrey accounted for 135 total yards and three scores, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to TJ Starkey.
Marion’s defense was just as impressive, recording three sacks and forcing a turnover — both a sack and takeaway coming from Caden McCrary. The Warriors held Jackson County to 148 total yards while amassing 365 of their own.
Up next, the defending state champions will host South Greene (8-3) on Friday night as they continue their quest to repeat.
Photos by Robin Rudd of the Chattanooga Times Free Press