Quintin Hancocks team update
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Can't Stop the Jackets
SAHS posts second straight shutout, rips Bartram Trail for 21st consecutive win over a county team
By HAYS CARLYON
hays.carlyon@staugustinerecord.com
Bartram Trail's defense entered with the hype, but it was St. Augustine High's defense that left the field with it.
The Yellow Jackets smothered county-rival Bartram Trail 26-0 on Friday night at home, holding Bartram to a measly 127 total yards.
The Bears (1-1) entered the game having blanked Palatka in the season opener, but their shutout streak would not survive long in Brumley Stadium.
St. Augustine's would. The Yellow Jackets (2-0) held First Coast scoreless last week in a 28-0 win and now have pitched shutout ball over eight quarters.
"These guys on defense have a lot of pride," St. Augustine coach Joey Wiles said. "They are all very close. All they do is run. They run to the ball very well."
The Bears didn't help themselves in the field position contest. After a muffed kickoff return, Bartram began the game's opening drive on its 3-yard line.
On the first four possession for both teams, Bartram's average field position was its own 14. St. Augustine's average starting spot on those four drives was Bartram's 49.
"St. Augustine is one of the most physically gifted teams we've played in my five years here," Bartram Trail coach Darrell Sutherland said. "We can't break even on special teams and have a chance. We've got to win that battle and we didn't. They did a great job pinning us back and we were constantly fighting to drive the length of the field."
The one time Bartram's offense caught a break on a Mike Steverson interception at the Yellow Jacket 33, the Bears couldn't capitalize. In two games, Bartram has scored three points and has failed to score in its last seven quarters.
The Jackets also held Bartram running back Joel Raggins to 33 yards on 10 carries.
"It's too early to say what's wrong right now," Sutherland said. "We'll have to look at the film and see how we can execute better."
St. Augustine's offense was stymied at times by Bartram's stingy defense, but hit enough big plays to coast to victory.
"We sputtered at times tonight, but our defense really helped us out," St. Augustine tailback Brandon James said. "We had trouble picking up their blitzes, but we were confident our defense could hold them down."
James put the finishing touches on the Jackets' offensive performance.
The senior broke touchdown runs of 54 and 11 yards in the second half.
"He's just a fantastic football player," Sutherland said. "The thing is not only is he very good, that whole backfield is something. They've got three other guys that can hurt you."
James finished the game with 93 yards on nine carries, but his mates in the backfield also did damage.
n Running back Carlos Hamilton accounted for 101 total yards on eight touches. The senior had 65 yards receiving in the first half.
n Fullback Rai-shawn Wilson carried 12 times for 58 yards and scored St. Augustine's first touchdown on a 13-yard scamper in the first quarter.
n Quarterback Quinterrance Cooper threw for 105 yards and connected on a 21-yard touchdown pass to
Quintin Hancock on the final play of the first half.
With the win, St. Augustine has now won 21 straight games against county foes, dating back to a 27-0 loss to Nease in 1993
