SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
South Pittsburg continues to inch its way back toward the BlueCross Bowl for the third consecutive season after posting its third straight postseason shutout, defeating Clay County 45-0.
The trio of JaMychal Buckner, Dayon Cooper and Brandon Goldsmith — who have now combined for 15 total touchdowns in this year’s playoffs — continued their scoring ways for the Pirates (12-1) in the quarterfinal matchup against the Bulldogs (11-2).
Caden Jones found Goldsmith for the Pirates’ first score on a 44-yard reception. Goldsmith finished the evening with three receptions for 74 yards and the one touchdown. Jones, who went 7 of 10 for 148 yards and two scores, later connected with Cooper for a 39-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 38-0 in the fourth quarter.
It was Buckner who stole the show once again, rushing for 139 yards and three touchdowns. He ran in both of the Pirates’ second-quarter touchdowns on three- and four-yard carries. His third score came in the third quarter, following an Alex Phillips 27-yard field goal earlier in the period. The senior has rushed for 290 yards and seven touchdowns in the playoffs.
Defensively, the Pirates were smothering, holding the Bulldogs to 144 total yards compared to their own 325. They caused three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by sophomore Nicholi Burton.
South Pittsburg still hasn’t surrendered a single postseason point, outscoring its opponents 152-0, averaging 344.6 yards per game.
This Friday, the Pirates head back on the road for the first time since Oct. 17 to face Coalfield (11-2), with the winner advancing to the TSSAA Class 1A state championship.
Photos by Cindy Desrosier