COALFIELD, Tenn. — Facing an outmanned but stubborn opponent in a hostile environment, South Pittsburg opted to return to basics Friday night.
With their top two receivers out with injury, the Pirates relied on a heavy dose of their 1-2 punch at running back to whip sixth-ranked Coalfield 36-6 in a Class 1A state quarterfinal game Friday.
Sophomore Jajuan Lankford showed why he is a Mr. Football finalist, rushing for 181 yards on just 10 carries and scoring three touchdowns, while junior Demetric Johnson added 102 yards on 14 carries and scored a pair of two-point conversions.
“It was no secret we’re still not at full strength in our passing game, but it’s awfully nice to have those two guys to turn around and hand it to,” said coach Vic Grider, whose Pirates rushed for nearly 200 yards in the first half and finished with 341 on the ground.
Third-ranked South Pittsburg will travel to ninth-ranked Gordonsville next Friday for a semifinal game. The Pirates have eliminated the Tigers three of the last four years.