Golden Eagle defenders Brody Lovvorn (5), Palmer Edwards (35) and Tyson Dunn (2) make a big tackle in the second round of the playoffs on Friday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
Senior Maddox Wright had a pair of huge interceptions in the fourth quarter to help seal the win for the Golden Eagles. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
Sophomore quarterback Steven Bobo rushed for 81 yards in Shelbyville Central’s win over Nolensville. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
By GARY JOHNSON
Sports Writer
SHELBYVILLE — Shelbyville Central’s postseason run continues as the Golden Eagles rolled past visiting the Nolensville Knights, 33-28, in the second round of the TSSAA Class 5A State Playoffs on Friday night.
The win sets up a showdown between Shelbyville Central (11-1) and top-ranked Page (12-0) in the quarter finals at Page on Friday night at 7.
“We’ve been working for this all year and to advance to the next round and have an opportunity to play one of the best teams (Page) in
Shelbyville Central junior running back rushed for 373 yards on 21 carries and scored four touchdowns for the Golden Eagles in the second-round of the playoffs on Friday night. (Post Photo by Gary Johnson)
the state is exciting. That’s what we will focus on now,” Shelbyville Central coach Jud Dryden said.
Golden Eagle junior running back Robert Bailey led the way, rushing for 373 yards on 21 carries with four touchdowns.
“What a great performance by Robert and the offensive line. He has worked hard and battled through an injury. I just can’t say enough about his effort,” Dryden said.
On defense, senior Maddox Wright was a game-saver, intercepting two passes on back-to-back possessions in the fourth quarter to halt Nolensville drives.
“We have talked all season about making the most of a moment and Maddox certainly did that, not once but twice, with those two huge interceptions,” Dryden said.
The Golden Eagles had a quick start, scoring on the second play of the game when Bailey broke loose on a 56 yard touchdown run.
Ben Betzelberger was good on the kick after for the 7-0 lead and only points in the opening quarter.
Bailey scored on a 46-yard run midway through the second quarter and Betzelberber’s kick increased the lead to 14-0.
Nolensville got on the board late in the first half with a Landon Smotherman 4-yard TD run.
The kick made the score 14-7 at halftime.
The Knights scored on a 20-yard pass play from Jack Dever to Rowen Ambrose. The point after evened the score at 14-14 at the 6:42 mark of the third quarter.
Shelbyville Central responded with an eight-play drive, capped off by a 10-yard run by Bailey.
The kick failed leaving the score 20-14 with 3:32 left in the third.
That lead was short lived as Ambrose hauled in a 57-yard TD pass from Dever. The extra point attempt was good, giving the Knights a 21-20 advantage.
Shelbyville Central scored back-to-back touchdowns, a 90-yard run by Bailey, followed by a 22 yard run by Steven Bobo to go up 32-21 with 1:18 left to play.
Nolensville added a late touchdown pass for good measure.
Bobo rushed for 81 yards on 12 carries as the Golden Eagle collected 475 yards of total offense, 454 rushing and 21 passing.
With the win, the Golden Eagles will travel to face unbeaten Page (12-0) on Friday night.
Nolensville 0 7 7 14 — 28
Shelbyville Central 7 7 6 13 — 33
First Quarter
SC — Robert Bailey 56 run (Ben Betzelberger kick), 11:10.
Second Quarter
SC — Bailey 46 run (Betzelberger kick), 6:53.
N — Landon Smotherman 4 run (kick good), 0:59.
Third Quarter
N — Rowen Ambrose 20 pass from Jack Dever (kick good), 6:42.
SC — Bailey 10 run ( kick failed), 3:32.
N — Ambrose 57 pass from Dever (kick good), 2:04.
Fourth Quarter
SC — Bailey 90 run (pass failed), 9:25.
SC — Steven Bobo 22 run (Betzelberger kick), 1:18.
N — Smotherman 29 pass from Dever (kick good), 0:27.
