SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
South Pittsburg opened the TSSAA Class 1A playoffs doing what it does best — crushing opponents. The Pirates posted their fourth shutout of the season and second in a row, cruising past Red Boiling Springs 58-0 in the first round.
Quarterback Caden Jones wasted no time getting things started, hitting Brandon Goldsmith for a 56-yard touchdown strike to make it 7-0 early. The duo connected again later in the first quarter on an 8-yard score. Jones finished 4-of-5 passing for 124 yards and three touchdowns.
JaMychal Buckner, a Tennessee Titans Mr. Football semifinalist, added a 36-yard touchdown run, finishing with two carries for 46 yards. Looking to not be outdone, fellow semifinalist Dayon Cooper caught a 53-yard touchdown pass as part of the Pirates’ explosive first-half attack.
The Pirates ground game pulled no punches either, racking up 166 yards and three scores. Zech Green and Anthony Gibbs Jr. each found the end zone.
Special teams also got in on the action. Martavius Smith returned a punt 43 yards for a touchdown, while Goldsmith added another on a 56-yard return.
The Pirates’ defense was equally dominant, holding the Bulldogs (0-11) to just 37 total yards. Linebacker John Patrick forced a safety, and for the first time this season, South Pittsburg (10-1) finished with zero penalties — making for a near-perfect performance in every phase.
Up next, the Pirates will face a familiar opponent when they host Oliver Springs (7-4) in the second round. It will mark the fourth meeting between the two programs in the last three seasons, with South Pittsburg holding a 2-1 advantage in the series heading into Friday night’s matchup at Beene Stadium.
Photos by Cindy Desrosier