JEFFERSON, Ga. — Sammy Brown was the story in Jefferson’s 42-6 win over No. 4-ranked Loganville Friday night at Memorial Stadium.
The junior running back accounted for all six of the seventh-ranked Dragons' (6-2, 4-0 Region 8-5A) touchdowns.
“We had really great preparation this week, and it showed out here; we probably had our most complete game this year,” Brown said.
Brown finished the game with 19 carries for 283 rushing yards, two receptions for 55-yards and six touchdowns, including a highlight reel over-the-shoulder 31-yard snag dropped in by senior quarterback Max Aldridge for the first score of the night. The Dragons ripped Class 5A's No. 9 defense for over 400 yards of total offense.
Jefferson coach Travis Noland was glad to see Brown have the game he did after dealing with an ankle injury for the last couple of weeks.
“We’ve been struggling a bit upfront, and Sammy has been really trying to overcome a high ankle sprain for the last six weeks,” Noland said. “Our last open day gave him a chance to finally get healthy, and it was nice to see it come to fruition at the right time.”
Brown said he's been working hard to overcome the ankle injury but looked 100 percent Friday night.
“I’ve been struggling with an ankle issue not only physically but mentally too, just getting over that mental block,” said Brown. “It was good to come out here and play the way that I did.”
Brown scored three more times in the first half off one-yard, 34-yard, and 16-yard rushes, finishing the half with 17 carries for 127-yards and two receptions for 55-yards and giving the Dragons a 28-0 lead at halftime.
Brown rushed only twice after the half, both of which he took to the house, ripping off a 58-yarder and a 98-yarder on back-to-back drives.
Jefferson’s offensive line played a huge part in their success in the run game, handling Loganville’s (8-1, 4-1 Region 8-5A) defense all game long.
“Oh my gosh, they were beautiful out there,” Brown said.
Not to be outdone by the offense, the Dragon defense caused problems all game long for the Red Devils' offense. The Dragons held the Red Devils under 200 yards of total offense and kept them from crossing the 50-yard the entire first half.
“Our defense has played great the last five or six weeks; they haven’t been giving up very many points and giving us scoring opportunities offensively,” Noland said.
The lone Red Devil touchdown came off a one-yard rush from senior running back Soloman Leslie. Leslie, who averaged 100-plus yards a game, was held 79 yards.
With Jefferson now at the top of Region 8-5A, Noland is looking to finish the season strong against two tough opponents and go into the playoffs with some momentum.
“Hopefully, we will play our best ball down the stretch here and see what happens,” Noland said.
Jefferson travels next week to take on Heritage.
