GAINESVILLE — Jefferson football spent much of the offseason focusing on improving its passing game.
On Friday night, the Dragons showed off the fruits of that labor at Gainesville's expense.
Jefferson quarterback Bryce Moore completed 11 of 17 passes for 217 yards to help lead the Dragons to a 33-3 win over Gainesville at City Park.
Moore was intercepted twice -- both by Rassie Littlejohn, who also pounced on a fumble to end the night with three turnovers -- but his big plays through the air helped spark the Dragons offense against a Red Elephants defense determined to slow Jefferson's powerful rushing attack.
Zac Corbin hauled in a 65-yard reception, while Sammy Elegreet (four receptions, 68 yards), Garmon Randolph (four catches, 40 yards) and Colby Wood (three receptions, 44 yards) also made big plays through the air. Wood finished with just 25 yards rushing in limited carries, and Jefferson rushed for just 155 yards as a team. But thanks to its passing attack and a strong defensive effort, it was only a footnote to a night in which the third-ranked Dragons (4-1) rolled to a 20-0 halftime advantage.
Still missing starting quarterback Tre Luttrell, Gainesville's offense was forced to its third and fourth options when back-up Chandler Watson left the game in the second quarter. Freshmen Robert Reisman (a back-up quarterback) and Montavious Tabor (the team's starting running back) each took snaps at quarterback the rest of the way. And while Tabor impressed at times, rushing for 122 yards, Gainesville could not sustain enough offensive momentum against the visitors. The Red Elephants (1-3) finished with 252 total yards, a third quarter field goal pulling Gainesville within 20-3 before the Dragons pulled away with two unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Jefferson will look to keep rolling next week against Madison County at home.
Gainesville travels to Marist next week.
