Deerfield-Windsor routs Terrell Academy

DAWSON — Finally, the Deerfield-Windsor can turn their full attention to Valwood.

The Knights tuned up for next week’s winner-take-all game against the Valiants which will decide the GISA Region 3-AAA crown after crushing the Terrell Academy Eagles 38-7 Friday night at Don Beard Field. Deerfield-Windsor scored early and often to improve to 7-2 overall and 5-0 in region play.

Deerfield-Windsor’s opening drive covered 60 yards on three plays. Junior Cameron McCook punished his way for 15 yards on the first snap. Then senior quarterback Tyler Lowe found tight end John Samuel Shenker for 40 yards, and McCook finished up the drive with a scoring dive with 11:14 to play in the first quarter for a quick 7-0 lead after Lanier Freeman added the extra point.

After the Eagles went three and out, DWS took over at its own 15, then marched 85 yards in seven plays. Junior running back Howell Logan picked up 46 yards on three carries, including a 20-yard scoring run with 5:50 remaining in the first. Lowe completed three passes for 33 yards and Shenker added 17 yards on the drive.

The Knights’ offensive line play was opened big holes all night with seniors Ellis Gill, Holt Jones, and Brian Forrestal leading the way.

Terrell Academy took over on the ensuing possession at their 35, but junior quarterback Reese Bell was hounded by McCook, who sacked him twice forcing a fumble on the second play and junior Derek Davis scooped and scored from 25 yards out with 4:06 to play in the half.

On the next possession, Terrell Academy fumbled on their 27 and McCook recovered. Two plays later, Lowe was intercepted in the end zone by Eagles freshman Mathews Ivey but the momentum didn’t swing.

Bell was sacked again by McCook on the very next snap forcing a fumble which Conner Lawson recovered. Then DWS sophomore running back Garrett Jones scored from the 1 with 2:05 remaining in the first. Freeman hit the PAT for a 28-0 lead.

Lowe later hit Shenker for a 50 yard scoring pass and Freeman nailed a 38-yard field goal to give the Knights a 38-0 halftime lead.

Hunter Mathis scored on a 35-yard run for the Eagles and freshman kicker Jenna Cuff hit the point after to make it 38-7.

Zeb Waters, Bishop Waters, and William Chambless had big plays for the Eagles on both sides of the ball.

Terrell Academy falls to 5-5 overall (1-4 in region) and will finish its season next week by playing host to Tiftarea next week.