Hephzibah dominated Josey by a final score of 36-6 on Friday, Sept. 17 at T.W. Josey Stadium.
On the Hephzibah Rebels’ first drive, quarterback Jalen Patrick threw a pick-six for a 15-yard defensive touchdown for the Josey Eagles. Kicker Telly Johnson missed the extra point to make 6-0 early in the first quarter.
Hephzibah bounced back on their next drive, scoring with a touchdown pass by Patrick to wide receiver Nevin Dent. The Rebels converted the two-point conversion with a pass from Patrick to Dent, putting them ahead 8-6.
Midway through the second quarter, Hepzibah was in Josey territory, but Patrick threw his second pick of the game, giving the Eagles the ball at their own 21-yard line.
With under a minute left in the half, the Rebels had the ball at the Eagles 10-yard line, but Patrick was sacked, giving the Eagles the ball with 48 seconds left in the half.
The Eagles struggled to take advantage of the Rebels’ turnovers and went three and out the rest of the first half.
After a defensive first half, Hepzibah tricked Josey with a 58-yard fake-punt-pass to wide receiver Dent from punter Justice Whitfield with 7:20 remaining in the third quarter. JJ Gant converted the two-point conversion with a pass to wide receiver Omarion Holland to make it 16-6.
The very next play, the Rebels onside-kicked the ball and got it right back in the Eagles territory. On 3rd and 13 at midfield, Patrick threw another long touchdown with 5:22 remaining in the third quarter. JJ Gant ran in the two-point conversion, making the score 24-6.
Patrick added his third touchdown of the game with a 32-yard touchdown to wide receiver Antonio Heath.
Hephzibah capped the game off with a 85-yard pick six with no time remaining and won the game 36-6.
The Rebels outscored the Eagles 28-0 in the second half, with 22 points coming in the third quarter.
Hephzibah (2-2) will play Morgan County at home Friday, Oct.1, as Josey (1-2) goes to Jefferson County next Friday, Sept. 24.
Chris Rickerson is a Sports Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at CRICKERSON@augusta.edu.
