The Magee Trojans have advanced to the third round of playoffs and will face the Raleigh Lions after grinding out a 27-10 win over the Morton Panthers last Friday night.
The Trojans never trailed in the game, and the defense did an exceptional job shutting down the one man show of Morton’s quarterback, Tay Simms. Simms led the Panthers to a win the previous week with 504 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in their game against Jefferson--meaning he was definitely on the Trojans’ radar during preparation throughout the week. Defensively the Trojans were prepared and executed their game plan to limit Simms and shutdown the Panther offense minus one big play. Mr. Football for 3A Chandler Pittman was effective running the football and managed to make key throws down the stretch to ensure the Trojan victory.
Morton possessed the ball to start the game and picked up a first down before being stuffed on a fourth down play near midfield. Jameyian Spencer was doing an excellent job filling running lanes and making plays near the line of scrimmage early in the game. Spencer and a host of Trojans stopped Simms short of the line to gain.
Pittman led the offense onto the field and the Trojans were run heavy. The Panthers received a heavy dose of Pittman and Jawon Shaw, who repeatedly gashed the defense for positive yards. Pittman scored the first points of the game with a rushing touchdown from 7 yards out. It was an excellent offensive drive and the rushing score put Pittman closer to a personal milestone of 100 touchdowns during his high school career. The extra point attempt was no good and the Trojans took a 6-0 lead.
Morton was committed to running the football with Simms as the only Panther to carry the ball through the start of the second quarter. Spencer made another booming tackle at the line of scrimmage near the Trojan 45 yard line to bring up 4th and 1, but the Trojans were unable to prevent the first down. Morton continued to grind out hard fought yards on the ground, but the hits on Simms began to add up and fatigue set in. With the ball on the Trojan 10 yard line, an errant snap flew over Simms’ head. Trojan defenders swarmed to the loose ball and recovered the turnover.
Cayden Bridges made his presence felt on the next offensive drive. Bridges had back-to-back big plays on passes from Pittman, gaining 60 yards to put the Trojans on Morton’s 35 yard line. He rushed for a first down facing 4th and short to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, Pittman delivered a beautiful ball to Bridges streaking up the seam for a 21 yard receiving touchdown. Pittman rushed for the 2-point conversion, giving the Trojans a 14-0 lead.
The defense was disciplined and continued to keep Morton in check, delivering big hits on Simms whenever the opportunity was there. Jameyian Spencer made another outstanding play forcing a fumble late in the second quarter that was recovered by Cayden Bridges. However, a Trojan fumble saw Morton take over near midfield looking to score.
Morton capitalized on the turnover by turning it into a touchdown. Simms finally found a crease and broke away for a 52 yard touchdown run to cut into the lead. The Trojans led 14-7 following an extra point. Pittman was picked off by Simms on the next drive, which gave Morton a chance to score just before half time. A deperate heave by Morton to the endzone was picked off by Pittman to end the first half.
Morton caught the Trojans off guard at the start of the second half and were successful in recovering an onside kick. Spencer continued to dominate the middle of the field from the linebacker positon, and the Panthers were forced to settle for a field goal, making the score 14-10.
Magee took over near mid field following the kickoff. Pittman broke for an explosive run to start the drive and move the Trojans to the 29 yard line. Facing fourth and 4, Pittman under pressure rolled out to his right and threw an ill-advised pass for his second interception of the game. The Trojan defense held, forcing a punt, thanks to a big tackle by Pittman on a third down screen pass. The Panthers called a screen pass that appeared to be developing, but it was tipped by Jody Durr before falling into the hands of the receiver. Pittman was there to make the tackle immediately.
With a fresh set of downs the Trojans returned to their original game plan of running the football. Pittman led the offense onto the field and was running with a purpose. Bridges was moved from his usual position as receiver to the backfield adding another big play threat. The tandem was able to advance the ball to the 11 yard line before Bridges capped the drive with an authoritative touchdown run, breaking tackles as he crossed the goal line. The extra point was good, and the Trojans led 21-10 with 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The touchdown made it a two score game, which forced Morton to abandon their slow methodical strategy. With the Panthers looking out of sorts, the Trojan defense took advantage by forcing another turnover near their 45 yard line. Pittman and Bridges resumed backfield duties and the Trojans began grinding out yards and burning the clock in the process. With 2:15 remaining in the game, Mr. Football put the game out of reach as he glided past defenders for a touchdown. Announcer Sammy Tebo announced that this was his 99th career touchdown. The score essentially sealed the game, and the Trojans won 27-10.
Pittman finished the night with 130 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also led the Trojans in rushing with 120 yards and two touchdowns. Cayden Bridges finished the game with 110 total yards and two touchdowns.
Jameyian Spencer had a monster game defensively for the Trojans finishing with 21 tackles, three for a loss, and a sack. Jamaal Dinkins followed with 14 tackles, and Jody Durr finished with 12.
The Trojans will travel to face Raleigh this Friday in the third round of the playoffs.
