Division 3 State Championship
Earley to Bass TD passes get Phoebus started in 48-7 win over Heritage
Williams Stadium, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA – Heritage took the opening kickoff and drove it to Phoebus’ three yardline.But that was as far as they could take it, as a fourth down pass fell incomplete. The Phantoms went on to score 34 unanswered points after that to put too much distance between themselves and the Pioneers. Phoebus first two scores were bombs, 82 and 79 yards respectively, from backup QB 8 Jayden Early to WR/DB 5 Jordan Bass, a Pitt Panther commit. Heritage Coach Bradley was complimentary, “In the first half, they just big-played us. Number five (Bass) is a great football player.” On the other side of the ledger, Phoebus Coach Jeremy Blunt was happy with Early’s performance after losing his starter, QB 12 Nolan James, to a leg injury in last week’s state semifinal. “(we have a) special group of young men. We all believe in one another. (QB) Jayden Early is a system kid. He’s been playing since 8th grade, a dynamic player. When Nolan went down there was no doubt that he’d be able to take over that torch and carry it on.” At the end of the game and as a salute to Nolan, the injured starter, his O’line carried him onto the field to take that last snap to take a knee as a Phantom and end the season. Phoebus was dynamic running the ball as well. RB 7 TyReon Taylor carried the ball 12 times for 106 yards and two touchdowns. His quickness and athletic ability were evident early on as he made tacklers miss and squeezed through tight quarters. Heritage ended a very good season and that didn’t escape Pioneers Coach Brad Bradley as he spoke after the game. “These guys are a bunch of overachievers. They came to work every day, sacrificed… that’s what football is all about.” As good as the Phantom’s offense was, their defense was just as strong. Led by DT 70 Mychal Mcmullen with 9 tackles, 4 TFL and 2 sacks, Phoebus made it tough for Heritage to get going offensively. Coach Bradley knew this state championship would be a big challenge for his Pioneers. “Phoebus is a great football team, very well coached, a class program. I take my hat off to them.” – Cap’n Crunch
