Lookout Valley duo lead Tennessee over Georgia

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Tennessee's Jamal Jones, from Lookout Valley avoids the tackle of Georgia's Tino Hernandez of North Murray. Jones scored the game's first touchdown. The Georgia prep football all-stars faced the Tennessee all-stars Saturday night at The McCallie School.

The smallest school in the area came up the biggest as Lookout Valley teammates Jamal Jones and Vann Scribner led the Tennessee all-stars to a 10-7 victory over Georgia in the football game featuring recent area high school graduates Saturday night at McCallie's Spears Stadium.

Jones was named the player of the game for Tennessee after setting an all-star game record with 106 rushing yards on 13 carries, including a 41-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter.

Scribner ran for 18 yards, including a key first down to begin Tennessee's final drive with the score tied and less than two minutes remaining, and was named the most valuable player. He also completed 5 of 7 passes in the second half for 45 yards, including a 20-yarder to Chris Walton that set up the game-winning 41-yard field goal by East Hamilton's Cameron Carter with eight seconds remaining.

"I was prepared for that kick as soon as we got the ball and started driving," said Carter, who signed with Tennessee State University. "My heart has never beat that fast, probably, as when I was lining up for the kick. I just told myself to try to be calm, follow through and make it."

The win was the second for Tennessee coach Grant Reynolds, who joked that he would retire from the series undefeated. Tennessee now leads the series 7-3.

Jones had set a new game record by halftime when he had gained 92 yards on nine carries, helping Tennessee outrush Georgia 146 to minus-26.

"It was good to come out and get to show what I can do against real good competition," said Jones, who has signed with Carson Newman. "I feel like some people may have doubted me because of the size school I played for, so I wanted to prove a point that I can play with anybody.

"It feels great to help us win this, because there's a lot of pride in this game."

Georgia turned to former Ridgeland star Darrell Bridges in the second half, and he responded with 12 carries for 44 yards and also hit Travis Nunley for a 66-yard TD on a halfback pass late in the third quarter to tie the game. For the game, Tennesee outgained Georgia 212-98 on the ground.

Georgia later drove inside the Tennessee 10 but lost a fumble at the 8 with 5:38 remaining. Two series later, Tennessee put together the winning drive.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.