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Ahead by eight, Jefferson scores last 27 points to beat Musselman

By Bob Madison - For the Chronicle | Sep 17, 2021

The ball is just out of reach for Keyshawn Robinson (16), during Friday’s game against Musselman High School. David Pennock

BUNKER HILL — Scoring first and last (and plenty in between), Jefferson defeated area rival Musselman, 47-12, last week to improve its record to 3-0 and get ready for Spring Mills (2-1 overall) tonight in Shenandoah Junction.

With Sammy Roberts throwing three TD passes (to Caleb Shelton, Spencer Powell and Caysen Lanza) and Evan Tewell running for two scores, the Cougars quickly improved a 20-12 lead by notching the night’s final four TDs.

With its cadre of useful wide receivers and tight end Lanza, Jefferson continually peppered the Applemen with Roberts’ well-aimed throws. Jefferson’s offensive line was near error-free in supplying Roberts with ample time to pick out and connect with his receivers.

Musselman was equally stung by a 60-yard Jefferson interception return TD in the second half as well as an errant snap that the Cougars recovered inside the Applemen 10.

Roberts found Shelton with a 23-yard scoring dart in the opening half and then later surveyed the Musselman secondary before connecting with Powell on a 37-yard scoring play. Lanza’s points came on a five-yard catch from in close.

Lee Forshee (10), Jason Sheppard (77) and Caysen Lanza (7) work to contain the Musselman-run game on Friday night. David Pennock

Tewell twice moved the scoreboard with both of his TD runs coming from inside the Musselman 10.

Leading 7-0, Jefferson doubled its early-game lead when Roberts spotted Shelton ahead of his man-to-man coverage and lofted a 23-yard scoring pass his way.

Steadily shredding the Applemen pass defense, Roberts repeatedly connected for double-figure yardage gains with his apt receivers.

The Cougars all but erased the Musselman pass offense, severely limiting it, and at times harassing the Appleman quarterback with useful pressure.

The Applemen saw their record dip to 1-2, the other loss coming to Martinsburg.

Caysen Lanza (7) turns upfield after a pass reception in Jefferson High School’s game against Musselman on Friday night. David Pennock

In Spring Mills, the Cougars will see a young team that was blitzed by Musselman in its opener, won by forfeit over Washington and then last week overwhelmed Hampshire.

The three wins, all by lop-sided scores, have gotten the attention of the rest of the state. The Metro News Power Rankings placed Jefferson in 10th place in the Class AAA ranks for the first time.

Ranked ahead of Jefferson are unbeatens Martinsburg, South Charleston, Huntington, Bridgeport, George Washington, University and Princeton. Once-beaten Cabell Midland and Spring Valley also polled more votes than the Cougars. The only ranked team in this week’s poll that Jefferson will face is Martinsburg, the top-ranked team.