James Clemens finds winning combination

Jets LaBryan Ray goes up to defend a pass Devin Kimbrough (photo/contributed/Scott Lowe)

HARVEST- The way Jamil Muhammad looks at it he is undefeated. Since the sophomore took over as starting quarterback James Clemens has won two games, the latest a 40-15 region win over Sparkman.

“The coaches stress to me just execute and do my part,” Muhammad said. “I have to slow it down for myself. I haven’t been playing up to my expectations. I know I can throw the ball and I have people behind me that know I can I just haven’t been showing it. Tonight I told myself you can do this.”

Muhammad got the Jets on the board with a 13 yard touchdown pass to Joseph Logan to take a 6-2 lead.

Sparkman scored on a safety by pinning the Jets at their goal line then trapping Bradley Belt in the end zone.

Muhammad connected with Immanuel Wilder on a 28 yard completion to set up a Belt 11-yard touchdown run to make it 13-2.

Just before the half Monty Rice alertly picked up a short punt that Sparkman players had overran and returned it to the 12 yard line. Belt ran it in to make it 20-2 at halftime.

The James Clemens defense had held Sparkman’s offense scoreless and the Senators had not converted on seven third downs and three fourth downs.

Sparkman opened the third quarter with a drive that reached the 22 yard line but Kyriq McDonald threw a runner for a 10 yard loss and Sparkman again turned the ball over on downs.

Later in the third quarter McDonald blocked a Sparkman punt and Joseph Price recovered for a touchdown to make it 27-2.

Sparkman’s first touchdown came when a backward pass was incomplete and Avery Phillips picked up the loose ball and ran 44 yards for a touchdown.

Both teams added late touchdowns.

Jamil Muhammad

“Jamil has handled the ball well, not turned it over, is doing some good things and we were able to throw the ball some,” James Clemens coach Wade Waldrop said. “He was efficient and threw strikes. That turnover, we had a check and we weren’t supposed to run that play.”

Waldrop said fumbles by his offense has cost his team six touchdowns this season.

Muhammad said he uses Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts as an inspiration and role model.

“His back was against the wall when he came in and he got his chance and took advantage of it,” Muhammad said referring to Hurts 39 yard scoring strike to ArDarius Stewart that broke open a tight game against USC.

Muhammad was practicing long passes in pregame and said that he is ready to throw long when the coaches call for it.

Next week James Clemens (2-2, 2-1 in region) travels to 6A Clay-Chalkville and will face Nico Collins, one of the top receivers in the state.