SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
Even though temperatures have cooled, South Pittsburg stayed scorching hot, routing Copper Basin 86-7 to collect its third Region 3-1A win. The Pirates’ 86 points tied a school record for most in a single game.
Some may say the Pirates (8-1) are just a first-half team, but when you’re averaging nearly 60 points over the last four games, that’s probably okay. Against the Cougars (3-6), they put up a season-high 72 points before halftime.
Brandon Goldsmith got things rolling with a 24-yard touchdown run, then returned an interception for a score early in the second quarter. JaMychal Buckner added touchdown runs of 36 and 45 yards, leading the team with 95 rushing yards. Zech Green followed with 67 rushing yards, including a 61-yard touchdown sprint, and also recorded a safety.
The night wouldn’t have been complete without quarterback Caden Jones connecting with Dayon Cooper for a 17-yard touchdown. Jones also found freshman Kaveon Sutton in the end zone, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 passing for 63 yards and three scores, with one on the ground.
Kemijah Harris added a fumble recovery for a touchdown, capitalizing on one of Copper Basin’s three turnovers. The Pirates’ defense was dominant, holding the Cougars to just 85 total yards while racking up 384 of their own.
South Pittsburg will return home Friday night to Beene Stadium to face rival Whitwell (3-6), hoping to clinch another region championship.
Photos by Cindy Desrosier