Jets defense shuts down Hewitt-Trussville

Joseph Arias (10) waits for the snap. (RECORD PHOTO/CHARLEY GAINES)

By Charley Gaines

For the Record

MADISON – It was the battle of the defenses Thursday night as the James Clemens Jets won their first playoff game of the 2015 season against the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies 22-0.

If fans were concerned coming into Madison City Schools Stadium Thursday after an unfocused, unenthusiastic game against Hamilton Oct. 29, it took less than a minute for the defense to quiet their fears. Monty Rice (4) grabbed the football mid flight for an interception with 11:09 left in the first quarter, and the Jets first points flashed up on the scoreboard as the defense got a safety less than three minutes later.

By the end of the first quarter, James Clemens was up 8-0 after an 80-yard punt return from Immanuel Wilder (3) that had the crowd going wild. Seven more points rolled onto the board after Kyriq McDonald (6) picked up the pigskin in the end zone after a high snap from the Huskees.

The Jets offense scraped their way through a hard-fought battle with the Huskies defense, though, only scoring seven of the Jets’ 22 points. Even then, the special teams did most of the work with a 65 yard kick-off return from Wilder that set up the touchdown for Rice with 11:40 left in the third quarter.

“We had outstanding defense tonight,” said Head Coach Wade Waldrop. “It’s been great all year, but from the word ‘go’ tonight, it was great. Outside of us getting in our own way with a penalty or two, I thought we did a heck of a job” … including some offensive plays as Waldrop and his staff pulled out their starting regulars and put in more muscle for plays they call “rhino” and “tank.”

Hewitt-Trussville’s defense was no slouch keeping the Jets’ total offense to 161 yards compared to their 152, but James Clemens’ defense was better able to capitalize on opportunities presented throughout the game, resulting in the program’s first ever playoff win.

Moving forward, Coach Waldrop said he looks forward to playing another week and getting better as they roll on through playoffs.