JOURNAL STAFF
MANY – Thanks to three consecutive shutouts and a first-round bye, the Many defense hadn’t allowed a point to an opponent in more than a month.
The Tigers defense kept that train rolling Friday as they smothered a No. 17 Richwood offense that has been explosive at times this season as No. 1 seed Many rolled to a 21-0 second-round playoff win.
Many allowed just 126 yards (less than yards per play) as the defense provided the offense enough space to operate and put together drives.
“It was a defensive slugfest,” said Many coach Jess Curtis. “Watching them on film, we saw that they were very good defensively, and we wanted to make sure we matched them.”
It’s hard to imagine Many’s defense not matching up with anybody in the state, regardless of classification, after shutting out its fourth straight opponent.
Richwood managed 10 first downs but were just 3-16 on third down.
The Rams rushed for just 20 yards while taking to the air for the other 106.
“Yeah that’s four shutouts in a row,” Curtis said, with the last opponent to score being Winnfield all the way back on Oct. 14. “The defense comes in every week ready to play to the highest standard possible, and I’m very proud of them tonight.”
Many’s offense started quickly as running back Jeremiah James scampered 52 yards for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage.
But the Rams’ defense dug in their heels from there with the defenses trading stops for the rest of the half.
The physical game featured hard hits from the likes of Tackett Curtis, Tylen Singleton, Swayze Carheel, Trenton Williams and Keaton Montgomery as Many kept Richwood’s offense under wraps.
But perhaps Curtis’ biggest hit of the night came when he found a seam for a 47-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to put Many up 14-0.
Many’s defense continued to tighten after halftime, surrendering just 33 second-half yards to thwart any Richwood comeback attempt.
Curtis tacked on a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, and kicker Deacon Lafollette’s third extra point provided the final score of 21-0.
The last drive was set up by a Lafollette 62-yard punt downed at the 3-yard line and another Many defensive stop to give the Tigers good field position.
“We got a good drive late to put it away,” Jess Curtis said. “I’m very proud of these guys.”
The Many offense finished with 320 yards – 275 rushing and 45 passing on 3-5 from Tackett Curtis.
He also led the defense with 12 tackles.
Many (10-0) will hit the road in the quarterfinals as they travel to No. 9 Rosepine (9-2), who took care of business in a 20-13 win at No. 25 Westlake.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
10:46 M Jeremiah James 52-yard TD run, Deacon Lafollete kick 7-0
Third Quarter
2:39 M Tackett Curtis 47-yard TD run, Lafollette kick 14-0
Fourth Quarter
2:40 M Curtis 20-yard TD run, Lafollette kick 21-0
Stats
Passing
M Curtis 3-5-45
R 7-25-106
Receiving
M Leach 1-31, McLendon 1-11, Garner 1-3
R 7-106
Rushing
M James 19-129, Curtis 4-102, Garner 10-21, Aldredge 6-15, Mitcham 1-8
R 29-20
Tackles
M Curtis 12, Singleton 8, Carheel 6, Williams 6
PHOTO CREDIT: Darrin Dyess/Journal Sports
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