More than just a game was on the line. The game was on the line – the difference in going home empty-handed or heading back to the Class 2A State Championship game with a chance to defend its 2017 title. Taylorsville was starring down another possible scenario – its first loss in 24 games, dating back to Sept. 22, 2018.
Things didn’t look promising either, sophomore phenom quarterback Ty Keyes, who led the Tartars to a 2017 state title and accounted for 63 percent of the team’s offense was out for the game and the season.
Trailing Bay Springs 8-7 with mere minutes to go in regulation last Friday night in the 2A South State Championship, Taylorsville turned to its freshman backup quarterback Karson Evans and senior running back Keyon Bass. Bass delivered the decisive blow with less than a minute to go, carrying the ball 13-yards to the end zone for the go-ahead, and eventually the game-winning, touchdown.
“Keyon played a big role for us in that game as he does every week,” said Taylorsville head coach Mitch Evans. “He has 200 carries on the season and over a 1,000 yards rushing. So, it’s no surprise that when we needed our running game, we turned to him.”
Bass led Taylorsville’s offense last Friday night with 161 yards on 23 carries.
“After Ty got hurt, I knew I had to step up if we wanted to get the win,” said Bass. “Really everyone did well after Ty got hurt. Our backup quarterback did a good job stepping up too, and we pulled it out.”
Bass said the win felt good.
“It was a big relief,” added Bass. “Especially after that last second went off the clock.”
His 161 yard and game-winning touchdown performance earn Bass this week’s Sports601 Powerade Player of the Week award.
Taylorsville (15-0) will play Scott Central (14-1) for the chance at back-to-back Class 2A titles Saturday afternoon at M. M. Roberts Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
