The day could not have started any better for Reeltown in the AHSAA Class 2A championship.
A botched snap from quarterback JaMarkius Smith on a designed run play turned into a 83-yard receiving touchdown to Finn Henderson. It only went on from there with Reeltown taking a dominant 49-13 victory over Tuscaloosa Academy.
“I was just so proud of how they started fast, and to be able to get the run game going,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “Of course, first play of the game we call a run and had mishandled the snap a little bit. I don't exactly know what happened. The ball went up on the ground, but then players make plays. Ja’Markius rolled out, saw Finn hit him, and that’s just two good players making a really good play.”
In typical fashion, the run game was dominating. In total Reeltown rushed for 280 yards with Tae Martin, Alijah Woods and Rell Lockhart all making their way to the end zone. However, Smith stole center stage in the contest, earning the game’s MVP.
The first-year starter completed 4 of 9 pass attempts for 179 passing yards and three touchdowns. His scores went to Dee Brown and Martin for 57 and 39 yards, respectively, in addition to his first play magic.
“We lost one heck of a quarterback in Jake Hornsby last year, so for JaMarkius to come in and step it in that position, and really knock the top off the learning curve and his skill set, (he) did a phenomenal job,” Johnson said. “ (He) broke the record for passing yards in the season at Reeltown as a sophomore, and he just continued to improve and get better. So I was really proud of him.”
Tuscaloosa Academy went into the game with a stellar quarterback of its own in Preston Lancaster, but Reeltown essentially shut down any success he had. He completed 10 of 27 pass attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns, but ended the night with three interceptions. Martin snatched two and Woods logged one which he took 28 yards to the house.
“We were concerned about (Tuscaloosa’s offense), because we hadn't seen an offense that threw so much, and a quarterback as skilled as he was with receivers like they are,” Johnson said. “But I was really pleased with our secondary, our front to get pressure, and don't you always get a sack, but just to disturb the quarterback, and put him in some situations, maybe he's not comfortable. Really proud of our guys to be able to do that, because that is a really good football player.”