Shelbyville Central junior Robert Bailey rushed for 325 yard and scored three touchdowns in the season opener at Siegel on Thursday night. (Post Photos by Gary Johnson)
Golden Eagle Zyon Bonner makes a big stop in Shelbyville Central’s win at Siegel on Thursday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
By GARY JOHNSON
Sports Writer
MURFREESBORO — Shelbyville Central junior running back Robert Bailey was the workhorse for the Golden Eagles (1-0) in a 34-22 win on the road at Siegel in the opening game of the 2024 season on Thursday night.
Bailey rushed for 325 yards on 36 carries and three touchdowns to lead the way for Shelbyville Central.
Along the way, the Golden Eagle defense was dominant as well, only allowing the Stars (0-1) 149 yards of total offense.
“To go through all the things in this game that could have had things gone wrong for us, we were able to stay in the moment and fought through it all and found a way to get the victory. Robert Bailey was a true workhouse and our defense played hard and did a really good job,” Shelbyville Central coach Jud Dryden said.
“It was the first game and that showed from time to time, but we will clean some things up and work to continue to get better and better.
The Golden Eagles took the opening possession and marched down the field and capped off a 13-play drive that took over seven minutes off the clock when Sophomore quarterback Steven Bobo scored on a 15-yard run.
John Betzelberger connected on the point after for the 7-0 lead.
“That opening drive was pretty impressive. It was amazing to see. To drive the ball down the field and eat as much clock as we did was impressive for out offensive unit,” Dryden said.
Siegel struck next on a Cory Jennifer 4-yard run, but the kick after was no good leaving the score 7-6.
Senior William Bobo hauled in a 36-yard pass from younger brother Steven and the kick after made the score 14-6.
Shelbyville Central increased the lead to 21-6 after a 31-yard run by Bailey and the point after.
A few penalties proved costly for the Golden Eagles as Siegel took advantage of a short field and scored on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Willis to Tristan Thornton to make the score 21-13.
Drew Hosteller caught a TD pass from Thornton to cut the lead to 21-19 and make the game interesting.
Bailey closed out the third quarter with a one yard run in the closing seconds. Betzelberger’s kick put the Golden Eagles up 28-19 to retake control of the game going in to the fourth quarter.
Tapia connected on a 27-yard field goal to make the score 28-22.
William Bobo had four catches for 63 yards and Steven Bobo connected on 8-of-17 passes for 85 yards with an interception.
Shelbyville Central closed out the game with a Bailey 53-yard TD run to secure the victory.
“A nice win on the road to start the season and it makes up for the loss at our place last year,” Dryden said.
Shelbyville Central racked up 448 yards to total offense.
The Golden Eagles entertain Marshall County on Thursday night at 7.
Shelbyville 7 7 14 6 — 34
Siegel 0 6 13 3 — 22
First Quarter
SC — Steven Bobo 15 run (John Betzelberger kick), 4:37.
Second Quarter
S — Corey Jennifer 4 run (Abimelek Tapia kick failed).
SC — William Bobo 36 pass from Steven Bobo (Betzelberger kick), 1:24.
Third Quarter
SC — Robert Bailey 31 run (Betzelberger kick), 8:02.
S — Jadn Willis 22 from Tristan Thornton (Tapia kick), 7:44.
S — Drew Hostetler 13 pass from Thornton (2pt. run failed), 3:36.
SC — Bailey 1 run (Betzelberger kick), 0:07.
Fourth Quarter
S — Tapia 27 yard field goal.
SC — Bailey 53 run (Betzelberger kick failed), 5:59.
