CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Atkinson runs wild in 45-7 victory over Athens
Published 10:38 pm Friday, August 28, 2015
- James Clemens running back Devon Atkinson runs toward the end zone as Athens' Perry Kirby dives in a attempt to bring him down.
Devon Atkinson set the tone on the first snap for James Clemens against Athens Friday. The sophomore went untouched down the visitors sideline for a 56-yard touchdown in route to a 45-7 victory at Athens Stadium.
It was the first of many big plays from Atkinson, who finished with 16 carries for 170 yards and three touchdowns — all in the first half.
“It was a great job up front,” said James Clemens head coach Wade Waldrop. “The first play, we did a good job of picking up their defense. I don’t think he got touched. The guys up front did a good job and his job is to run. Our plan is going to be to get the ball into the open grass, whoever it is.”
The Jets rarely used returning 7A Back of the Year finalist Maceo Booker, as Atkinson stole the show. Booker did catch a pair of touchdown passes from Heath Burchfield in the first half. The first was a 15-yard strike over the middle that put the Jets up 17-0, followed by a 26-yard touchdown grab that made it 31-7 James Clemens midway through the second quarter.
The Jets scored on six of seven possessions in the first half to take a 38-7 halftime lead.
“We very intense early, very physical early. I liked it,” said Waldrop. “Knowing what’s coming next week, I know that will be physical, so we’ve got to try to stay up and get better.”
After a couple of three-and-outs to start the game, Athens finally answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass from John Bachus to Terrance Watkins. But the Golden Eagles just couldn’t keep up with a returning All-State quarterback and a relentless Jets pass rush.
Burchfield finished the game completing 14 of 17 attempts for 252 yards and three touchdowns.
“Everything that makes a good team a good team, they have going for them,” said Athens head coach Allen Creasy. “They just beat us in all three phases tonight. Hat has to go off to them. We have to go back to the drawing board. Playing this game is going to help us.”
James Clemens (1-0) faces crosstown rival Bob Jones (1-0) next Friday at Madison City Stadium. Athens (1-1) travels to Hartselle.
