The week one game for Collins and Seminary might be known for less than ideal field conditions, a weather delay, and penalties throughout the game. However, what should also be known is the Seminary defense that held the Collins Tigers offense to six total points. The number six is notable for another reason, as the Bulldogs recorded six turnovers, intercepting Collins quarterback Hershey McLaurin four times, blocking a punt that resulted in a touchdown, and forcing a fumble during the forty-eight-minute contest. When it was all said and done, a player stepped up when the Bulldogs needed it the most. Whether it was Jabori Potts who had an interception and landed on the ball after a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first half, or Tyrese Hatten, Ladarious Keys, and Dawson Crosby who each nabbed an interception, someone seemed to step up when the Bulldogs needed it the most. That ultimately led to the 19-14 victory for Seminary.
“The defense played great. We put them in a bind at times. The offense struggled at times and they had some turnovers which put us in a bind, but that’s what a good defense does is step up for their team. They have a great quarterback who can make big plays. Near the end, we were able to contain him a little bit. The defense just stepped up every time. We still have to get better, we missed some tackles and assignments, but it is game one and that is what you expect. This is Collins versus Seminary. A close game is what we wanted and we came out on top this year,” said head coach Brian Rials.
Riles also spoke highly of his quarterback who made his first start under center while also playing on the defensive side of the ball.
"Jabori is a first-year starter at quarterback. He's going to get even better as we go. It was wet conditions and there were bobbled snaps, but I'm very proud of him. We will get back, fix some things, but I think we have a good one there to work with and build-up."
While McLaurin threw four interceptions, he also scrambled for an 86-yard touchdown run which gave the Tigers their lone offensive score of the night. The Tigers defense also came up with a safety in the first quarter and a defensive touchdown late.
Seminary’s Cameron Sanford and Joseph Owens both scored a rushing touchdown each.
Momentum Change:
With under two minutes left to play, Seminary came up big with a blocked punt that was recovered by Potts in the endzone. That score gave them the lead that would not be surrendered again. On the following possession, Potts came down with a McLaurin interception, all but ending the first half.
Player of the game:
The Seminary defense. As a unit, they held Collins to one lone touchdown in the first quarter and had six turnovers. They also forced two Tiger turnover on downs. Senior linebacker Gaige Walters had a key fumble recovery to go along with the four players mentioned earlier in the article.
Quote of the Night:
“Collins and Seminary, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Every year, it is going to be one way or the other and this year was our turn!”
You can view and purchase photos by clicking here.
You can listen to Sports601's podcast here.
