Shelbyville Central’s Labron Ransom scored on a 65-yard pass play and added a 55-yard pass interception for a touchdown in the Golden Eagles region win over Lincoln County on Friday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
By GARY JOHNSON
Sports Writer
FAYETTEVILLE — Shelbyville Central scored on both sides of the ball to claim a 35-7 win over Lincoln County in a key Region 5-5A matchup on Friday night.
The win sets up the Golden Eagles (8-1, 5-0) for a chance to win the region regular season championship outright on Friday night at Tullahoma (6-3, 4-1).
“What a great win for this football team,” Shelbyville coach Jud Dryden said. “Offensively and defensively, we did what we needed to do at the moment we needed to. At their place in a playoff environment, you just can’t ask for anything better than what our guys showed tonight,”
Shelbyville Central provided all the scoring in the first half, scoring a touchdown in each of the first two quarters.
The first was set up after senior Palmer Edwards intercepted a pass giving the Golden Eagles the ball at Falcon 41-yard line.
Seven plays later sophomore Nate Zimmerman rushed five yards and crossed the goal line.
Ben Betzelberger connected on his first of five extra-points for the 7-0 lead.
Junior Robert Bailey rushed for a 1-yard touchdown late in the second quarter as Shelbyville Central held a two score advantage at the interm
Junior running back Robert Bailey follows offensive lineman Ean Matusek for a first down run on Friday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
ission.
Lincoln County made the most of a 41-yard kickoff return as the Falcons’ lone score was on the first possession of the second half.
Brett Dobbs found the end zone on a 2-yard run for the only score of the third quarter. Gatlin Mole connected on the kick after to cut the lead to 14-7.
From that point, 10:40 mark of the third quarter, the Golden Eagle defense took control of the game allowing only 46 yards of offense.
Shelbyville Central put 21 points on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, including two defensive touchdown.
Labron Ransom hauled in a 66-yard touchdown pass from Steven Bobo to increase the lead to 21-7 at the 11:48 mark of the fourth.
Zyon Bonner scooped up a fumble and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown before Ransom intercepted a pass and returned it 55 yards for a TD.
William Bobo also added an interception as the Golden Eagles created four turnovers in the game.
“Credit to our defense for another great performance. It’s what we preach in our program. It’s about resiliency and playing in the moment,” Dryden said.
Shelbyville Central collected 264 yards of offense while Lincoln County was held to 189 total yards.
Stephen Bobo connected on 4-of-8 passes for 103 yards. He added 78 yards on 4 carries.
Palmer Edwards (35) and Brody Lovvorn make a stop on Lincoln County’s Brett Dobbs in the Golden Eagles win at Lincoln County. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
Bailey finished with 42 yards on 9 touches while Zimmerman rushed for 35 yards on seven carries.
Dobbs led the Falcons with 102 yards rushing off 32 carries.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position and we’ve got to go play hard against a good Tullahoma team,” Dryden said. “A chance to win back-to-back region championships and at least two home playoff games if we win the first,” Dryden said.
Shelbyville Central 7 7 0 21 —35
Lincoln County 0 0 7 0 — 7
First Quarter
SC — Nate Zimmerman 5 run (Ben Betzelberger kick), 1:28.
Second Quarter
SC — Robert Bailey 1 run (Betzelberger kick),1:09.
Third Quarter
LC — Brett Dobbs 2 run (Gatlin Mole kick), 10:40.
Fourth Quarter
SC — Labron Ransom 66 pass from Stephen Bobo (Betzelberger kick), 11:48.
SC — Zyon Bonner 65 fumble recovery (Betzelber kick), 9:15.
SC — Ransom 55 pass interception (Betzelberger kick), 7:37.
