James Clemens wins shootout against Athens, 37-30

Running back Maceo Booker fights for yardage in first-quarter action against the Athens Golden Eagles on Aug. 28. (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Despite losing head coach Wade Waldrop to an ejection before halftime, the James Clemens Jets (1-0) were able to overcome several second-half lead changes and a tight game overall to pull away from the 6A Athens Golden Eagles (1-1) for a 37-30 win Aug. 28.

After racking up almost 10 penalties before halftime and allowing Athens to take its last lead of the night at 27-23 with 6:52 left in the game, the Jets outscored the Golden Eagles 14-3 to close out the contest.

“The dids didn’t flinch,” said offensive coordinator Clint Woodfin. “We missed coach Waldrop, but the kids executed, did their jobs and finished out, won the game.”

Junior running back Maceo Booker led the way for the Jets with 187 yards off of 35 carries and three touchdowns. Booker kicked off the scoring for the Jets with a 10-yard score at 8:46 in the first quarter. By halftime, the score was 17-14.

Dynamic playmaker Anthony Bolden added yards on screen passes and between the tackles. It was senior wideout Miles Whitlow who gave the Jets a lead it would not relinquish, a diving 41-yard touchdown grab from Heath Burchfield with six minutes left in the game to make the score 30-27 James Clemens.

The Jets called a gutsy onside kick after the Whitlow score. Booker rode that possession to pay dirt with 2:57 left in the game to give James Clemens a 10-point lead.

“Our assistant coaches did a great job,” Woodfin said. “Special teams coordinator Coach Ellis did a great call on the onside kick and everyone just did their job and it worked out in our favor.”

Having won their season opener for the second straight year, the Jets will be the official home team in its next game against fellow Madison program Bob Jones on Sep. 5.