The matchup many high school football fans in the Chattanooga area had wanted to see for two years finally took place Saturday at Finley Stadium.
Although Red Bank and South Pittsburg were scheduled to face off each of the past two seasons, both games wound up getting canceled – the first due to inclement weather and last year’s because of COVID-19. Even though it was only for one quarter of the Best of Preps Jamboree, the anticipated clash of talented teams lived up to its big play potential.
After holding South Pittsburg to a field goal on the opening possession, the Lions needed just one play to score as senior quarterback Joseph Blackmon connected with his twin brother Josh on a 70-yard touchdown strike. The Pirates answered on their next snap with a brotherly combination of their own as Richard Hunter found his twin Reginald for a 70-yard score.
But it was Red Bank’s defense that provided the deciding points as Delmetrius Gustus caused a fumble, then scooped it and raced 20 yards for a late touchdown and a 14-10 win for the Lions.
“We found out some things about ourselves in that quarter,” Red Bank coach Chris Brown said. “First, we need to get in better shape because this is what games are going to feel like in August and September in Chattanooga.