The Magee Trojans were thorough, to say the least, in their 42-6 victory over Hazlehurst last Friday night.
The Trojans jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The touchdowns came fast and often, and the Trojan defense was stifling.
In fact, the defense forced a fumble on the first possession of the game to give the Trojan offense good field position. Quarterback Kendal Middleton led the offense onto the field and orchestrated an excellent opening drive, ending in a passing touchdown. This set the tone for the rest of the game: defense forcing turnovers and punts and offense moving the ball at will.
Middleton posted a perfect QB rating, completing 11 of 14 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Middleton also added five carries for 31 yards.
Ken Porter was as efficient as ever, rushing for 4.5 yards a carry. Porter was not asked to carry his usual work load with the game in hand, taking 11 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. Zech Rankin showed his explosiveness, taking two carries for 60 yards and a touchdown
The receiving corps was led by Christian Hubbard with two receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. He was followed by Jeremiah Cole with three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown and Braden Gregory with two receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.
The Trojan defense continued to prove why they are one of the top-rated defenses in the state. DeLarrius Hayes, Quay Berkhalter, Tig Harris, Connor Pittman, Zykerian Magee, Akavion Griffith, and others continue to make big plays and set a high standard for Magee’s defensive unit.
The Trojans are on a roll and have outscored their district opponents 89-12 through two games.
The Trojans will be on the road this Friday to face one of their toughest opponents this season, the Raleigh Lions. Both teams are undefeated coming into this matchup, which sets the stage for a highly competitive game.
Head Coach Chase Courtney said, “Raleigh is the best team we will have played to this point. Since it's not a district game, it's a good barometer for both schools to see where we are. Jared Smith, who I coached with at Magee years ago, does a tremendous job with the defense. Raleigh is ranked number 1 in 2A for a reason. The last two weeks they have won a combined 70-0. This past Friday, it appears they held Puckett to negative yardage. They haven't given up more than 14 points all year.”
Courtney said, “I say all that, to say, we have to play really well and execute at a high level to win. We are excited about the opportunity as a tune up because everybody we play from here on out will be really good.”
Courtney expressed the utmost confidence in his team’s ability to play with anybody and says he believes they will prove that once again this Friday in Raleigh.
