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Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Rutland’s offense stumbles against Jackson-Atlanta

When the first half of Friday’s game came to an end, it was almost clear that one score would win the game.

Rutland and Jackson-Atlanta combined for less than 80 total yards in the entire half. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, the Jaguars got the one score. They drove 76 yards the first time they got the ball in the third quarter to take a 7-0 lead, and the defense made it stand up as the Jaguars denied Rutland of their second win of the season.

Rutland’s defense also had a great game, but the offense could not take advantage of excellent field position in the first half. Five times the Hurricanes took possession of the football in Jackson territory and were unable to score. Rutland was limited to one first down in the first half and only 38 yards of offense.

With Jackson keying on running back Jarkemmey Sanford, it was up to freshman quarterback Darren Tucker to make plays, and the young quarterback was plagued by constant pressure and dropped passes.

Rutland head coach George Collins praised his defense but was frustrated by the offense’s lack of execution.

“We had so many chances to put points on the board,” Collins said. “Our offense just wasn’t focused, and we did not get the job done. Tucker is going to be a good one, but we have to block a little better and have some kind of a running game. I give Jackson credit. They came in and shut us down, and were able to move the ball on the one drive, and that was the ballgame.”

Tucker completed 9-of-26 passes for 71 yards, and his receivers had at least five drops. Sanford was held to 5 yards on 12 carries but did have 5 catches for 40 yards.