One word to describe last week's game against Battery Creek?
"Physical," said Estill High football coach JC Threatt after the Gators' 24-6 victory to open the season.
Estill took control early against Class AAA Battery Creek. By winning the coin toss and taking control of an early onside kick, the Gators struck first and fast.
The Gators William Lewis drew first blood with his 9 yard td run. This made the score 6-0, but not for long. Surprising the Dolphins with an onside kick, the Gators were able to recover the ball and bring them into good field position. The gators bit again by an incredible 48-yard run by Jervony Hutchinson. Making the score 12-0.
"We were up 12-zip before they even touched the ball," said Threatt.
If anyone thought they were done, they were wrong. Six more points were added to the total by a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Marcus Bryant. At the end of the first quarter, the score stood 18-0. In the second quarter the Dolphins got on the scoreboard on a four-yard touchdown run. However there was nothing that the Dolphins could do to stifle the force of the Gators.
Aside from the great offensive show the Gators displayed, their defensive intensity was an impact as well. The Gators caused the Dolphins to fumble 5 times; one of the fumbles was recovered by Hutchinson for 88 yards to put the Gators up at the half and to finish the game with a final score of Estill 24 to Battery Creek 6.
Leading the Gators offensively was Hutchinson, who had six carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Mandrell Beckett had 25 yards on four carries. Bryant rushed six times for 20 yards and a touchdown. He also went 3-for-6, passing for 82 yards.
Corey Frazier had 25 yards on six carries. William Lewis carried the ball 12 times for 67 yards and a touchdown. Eree Jenkinds carried the ball six times for a total of 30 yards.
Estill's defense shut down the Battery Creek Dolphins attempt to score numerous times throughout the night. Leading the Gators on defense was Tony Griffin and Michael Gordon. They both had 11 tackles. Next were Jervony Hutchinson and Jorelle Ready. They both had 7. Following up the back was Quentin Robinson with 5.
Coach Threatt explained that there were some "first game jitters." This may have contributed to some of the small mistakes that Estill accounted for.
"They will decrease as the season progresses," said Threatt.
Threatt also commented on the heat, explaining that his team was fit and conditioned but the heat will take any player's energy away. However he was proud of his team for competing so well against a 3A opponent.
For next game, Threatt says that he would like to see a cut down on unnecessary penalties and fumbles. The Gators are in another non-conference game this Friday at home against rival Wade Hampton at 7:30.