STEVENSON, Ala. – For all the attention senior running back Lee Witherspoon has gained for putting up video-game type numbers this football season – and he is a special athlete – it was North Jackson’s defense that set the tone early and often Friday night against cross-county rival Scottsboro.
The Chiefs completely stuffed the Wildcats at every turn, holding the visitors to 5 yards on 33 rushing attempts and a mere 36 yards of total offense in a 56-3 whipping at R.D. Hicks Stadium.
“Our defensive guys have paid the price in the weightroom since the offseason, and there’s not a game plan for how physical we are up front,” Chiefs coach Mark Rose said. “Our defensive guys played a tremendous game.
“We’re more than just Lee. But he’s still pretty dang good.”
With UAB coaches watching from the sideline, Witherspoon – the area’s leading rusher who came in averaging a ridiculous 25.5 yards per carry – gained 125 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns, including a 76-yard scoring sprint. He also returned an interception 65 yards for a first-half score and brought back a punt 68 yards for yet another TD.