Shelbyville Central sophomore Steven Bobo makes a nice run in the Golden Eagles’ third-round game at Page on Friday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
By GARY JOHNSON
Sports Writer
FRANKLIN — Shelbyville Central went up against one of the best defenses in the state and the Golden Eagles witnessed it first-hand in a 28-6 loss to Page in the quarterfinals of the Class 5A TSSAA State Playoffs on Friday night.
“This is not the way we wanted this season to end, but these guys fought and fought all season and I’m so thankful for each and every one of them,” Shelbyville Central coach Jud Dryden said.
“It’s been a great four years with these seniors and what a legacy they leave this football program for other classes to live up to.”
The Patriots (13-0) entered the game allowing only 18 points this season, including eight shutouts.
Shelbyville Central’s (11-2) lone touchdown was a 36-yard pass to William Bobo from Steven Bobo with 6:41 left in the game.
The talented Page defense only allowed 149 total yards, 81 passing and 68 on the ground.
“I don’t know if I’ve seen a better defense in my 30 years of coach
Brody Lovvorn (5) with some help from Jackson Themm (45), makes a big tackle in quarterfinal action of the TSSAA State Playoffs on Friday night against Page. (Post Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
ing at the high school level,” Dryden said.
“It’s just phenomenal what they have been able to do. They are well-coached, experienced and very explosive. They are everything you want in a group, and they are ready to play football.”
Page scored on a Brenden Anes 3-yard run and kick that followed was good for the 7-0 lead, the only scoring in the opening quarter.
The Patriots added a pair of touchdowns in the second stanza, a Mitchell Grandjean three-yard run followed by a William Wibush 73-yard run.
The extra-points were good for 21-0 halftime advantage.
After a scoreless third quarter, Page went up 28-0 when Anes and Wiebush hooked up on a 36-yard pass play for a TD.
The Golden Eagles battled but the Patriots proved the No. 1 ranking they have held throughout the season was worthy.
Steven Bobo led Shelbyville Central’s offense with 78 yards passing and 32 yards rushing.
Junior standout running back Robert Bailey collected 38 yards rushing and finished the year with 1,943 yards off 224 carries with 23 rushing touchdowns with one TD catch.
“We struggled to stack moments and plays on top of each other to be able to move the football on offense. We had a few turnovers as well and you just can’t turn the ball over against a
Senior Labron Ransom intercepts a pass a returns it 55 yards for Shelbyville Central on Friday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
good football team like Page,” Dryden said. “We didn’t take advantage of the opportunities we had and that was costly as well.”
Shelbyville Central 0 0 0 6 — 6
Page 7 14 0 7 — 28
First Quarter
P — Brenden Anes 3 run (Jonathan Baba kick), 1:21.
Second Quarter
P — Mitchell Grandjean 8 run (Baba kick), 11:50.
P — William Wiebush 72 run (Baba kick), 1:11.
Fourth Quarter
P — Anes 30 pass from Wiebush (Baba kick), 10:20.
SC — William Bobo 36 pass from Stevem Bobo (Kick blocked), 6:41.
