Looking directly into the face of his opponent Ketaraus Stanton does not stop for any reason as he runs the ball downfield for the Lumberjacks against Carthage on Friday night. (photo by Billy Longino)
After a strong storm had just rolled over Carthage another one began to brew from deep within town. A storm that the town would not forgot for at least another year. That storm was red and brought with it a devastating power that Carthage could not withstand. That storm was the Diboll Lumberjacks.
The Carthage Bulldogs came out onto the field blazing ready to put a stop to the Lumberjack blitzkrieg that had been devastating team after team throughout the season.
After tackling ‘Jack quarterback Edwin Simon in the end zone for a safety the Bulldogs scored on the following drive when Justin Myers put in a 23-yard run.
The ‘Jacks would bounce back with a touchdown of their own from Courtney Tillman who blazed down field dodging defender after defender with lightning speed for a 41-yard scamper.
Carthage then came back with what would be their last scoring of the game. Myers scored on a 60-yard run and the PAT was no good. That would put the score at 15-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Then the Lumberjacks would embark on a series of what Lumberjack runningback Ketaraus Stanton would call “impossible plays”.
It all began when Diboll's defense stepped up the game and caused Carthage to fumble early in the second quarter that was recovered by Victor Arreola and returned to the Carthage 31-yard line.
On the following drive Stanton pushed into the end zone for the ‘Jacks' second touchdown of the night. Gilbert Moye would run in the two-point conversion.
On Carthage's next attempt the Lumberjack defense once again proved an unbreakable barrier against the Bulldog effort. Carthage would attempt a punt but Diboll's Draylen Fussell had other plans. Fussell rushed past the Bulldog line to make a diving block that was immediately picked up by Kylan Herchman in the end zone to put the ‘Jacks up 22-15.
Carthage was forced to punt after receiving the kickoff. This put Diboll in position for another spectacular play.
Moye pulled back into the backfield in search of a receiver. He had to maneuver around nearly the entire Bulldog defense before finding Simon open and connected with a pass. Simon then fought his way downfield with Bulldogs on his trail all the way to the end zone. Moye's and Simon's effort led to a 50-yard touchdown pass that would signal the end of the first half.
The third quarter would consist of the Diboll and Carthage defense completely dominating the field. The Lumberjacks would not allow the Bulldogs any footing to make a comeback nor would the Bulldogs let the ‘Jacks increase their lead..
Stanton would breakthrough the ice for another touchdown on a five-yard run at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
Once again as in the third quarter the two defenses held their opponents at bay in the fourth with both team being forced to punt on several occasions.
Moye would find a break near the end of the game to put up the final score of the game with a 65-yard touchdown run. That put the final score at 42-15 for a Lumberjack victory.
The Lumberjacks travel to Nacogdoches at Homer Bryce Stadium on the SFA campus this week to play in the opening round of the State Playoffs. Game Starts at 7:30 but if you can't make it catch the game on ESPN 1260 with JP Heath. The ‘Jacks will go up against old district rivals the Palestine Wildcats for the bi-district title.
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