BY BRIAN HAMILTON
DANDRIDGE – Jefferson County jumped out to a 14-0 lead and led 21-7 at halftime, as the Patriots would defeat Hardin Valley 42-7 on homecoming.
Omarian Mills scored the first two touchdowns of the game and Jefferson County would try an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff. The Hawks recovered the punt and returned it to the Patriots’ 1-yard line. A quarterback sneak would make the score 14-7.
Jefferson County responded on the next drive, marching down the field and cashing in on a 28-yard touchdown run by Blake Overton. The Patriots led 21-7 at halftime.
The second half was much more dominant for Jefferson County, as they scored 21 unanswered points, led by Mills, Izaiah Hall and Kade Parker, giving the Patriots a 42-7 win.
Parker caught two second-half touchdowns and finished with 105 receiving yards. Hall threw for 246 yards and three scores.
Mills scored the third touchdown of the second half and finished with three touchdowns on 107 yards rushing.
Jefferson County head coach Spencer Riley addressed the slow start after the game.
“It was the perfect storm — homecoming, coming off a big win and facing an 0-6 team,” he said. “In the first half, we were not very impressive.”
The Patriots (5-2, 3-0 Class 6A Region 1) have won three straight and will travel to Johnson City to face Science Hill (5-3, 3-0) for the top spot in the region.
“If you can’t get ready for that game, I can’t help you,” Riley said.
Hardin Valley (0-7, 0-3 Class 6A Region 2) will travel to Maryville (7-0) to face the unbeaten Rebels next week.