Pirates reign

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As far as the people from South Pittsburg are concerned – and most of them seemed to be at Tennessee Tech University on Friday – all is right in the world again. The hierarchy of Tennessee Class 1A football has been restored.

Behind a punishing effort by running back Raquis Hale and his buddies along the offensive line, coupled with a stout all-day effort from the defense, South Pittsburg earned yet another state championship with a 41-6 whipping of previously unbeaten Jo Byrns.

The trip to the final was the ninth for the Pirates, who completed their season 12-2. Their fifth championship ties them for the most in the TSSAA’s smallest classification with Trousdale County, which now plays in Class 2A.

South Pittsburg’s motivation this year stemmed from two sources. One was finishing runner-up to Union City in a close game in last year’s final.

“It was a combination of last year, number one, and number two, so many people doubted this team,” South Pittsburg coach Vic Grider said.

The Pirates lost by four points to Signal Mountain, which is playing in today’s Class 2A final, and was steamrolled by Class 3A playoff team Polk County. From that lopsided loss, Grider said the players learned they couldn’t play sloppily and compete with a good team.

“After the Polk loss, a lot of our own people doubted us,” Grider said. “I know myself when I’m doubted, I’m out to prove you wrong. I don’t think the kids forgot that, either, and they saved their best for last.”

The Red Devils won the coin toss, elected to receive and had some hope early. They grinded out two first downs on the opening possession before turning the ball over on downs on South Pittsburg’s 39.

After the teams exchanged fumbles, the Pirates took over on the Red Devils’ 48. Nine running plays later, the last a 1-yard plunge by Hale, South Pittsburg led 7-0 and carried on from there.

Hale, who was not a Mr. Football finalist, added two 44-yard touchdown runs and another from 20. His fifth TD came from the 7 with 10:59 to play.

“Our offensive line, four of the six in that group are seniors,” Grider said. “They’ve played a lot of football, and a lot of them started in this game last year. That’s a special group.”

Running behind linemen Coltin Blevins, Cody Branham, Aubrey Earvin, Jakoby Reynolds, Cody Wordlaw and tight end Josh Wilson, the game’s most valuable player on offense wound up with 228 yards on 23 carries.

“We took it as an insult,” Reynolds said of the Mr. Football snub. “He’s the best back in Tennessee in all classes, and we wanted to show it.”

Jo Byrns running back Frank Traughber was limited to 36 yards on 11 carries through the first half, which ended with the Pirates up 21-0. Finally in the third quarter he broke loose for a 65-yard run that led to his 1-yard score at the 2:40 mark.

Traughber ended with 101 yards on 16 carries. Fellow 1,300-yard rusher Brandon Holt suffered a concussion early, leaving with two carries for 6 yards, and he did not return.

“We knew they were physical and had two really good backs that could run the ball hard,” said Blevins, who made nine tackles from middle linebacker and was chosen the game’s defensive MVP. “We had to stop the run. That was our primary goal.”

With South Pittsburg’s running game well-established, quarterback Travis Millard was able to complete 7 of his 9 passes for 149 yards, including a 60-yard bomb to Antonio Chubb for the second touchdown. Chubb caught five throws for 119 yards.

“Even though they had two losses, we knew we were in for a battle,” said Jo Byrns coach Tom Adkins, whose team finished 13-1. “They’ve got great tradition and great speed. We knew we were going to have to contain that speed and tackle well.

“They’re fast enough to make you pay, and in a big way.”

South Pittsburg’s nine outgoing seniors leave with two state titles and 50 career victories, most of any class at the storied program.

“They can’t take that away from us,” Reynolds said. “That’s it.”