It was homecoming at Kelly Memorial Stadium as the Screven County Gamecocks stayed undefeated and recorded a fifth consecutive shutout against the Josey Eagles (1-7), dominating throughout the night for a 42-0 victory.
Senior quarterback Armani Bunbury continued to be dynamic both on the ground and through the air with two rushing touchdowns and one passing score.
Josey started off with the ball but was forced to punt after a short three-and-out.
The Gamecocks went to work and on a 7 play, 40 yard drive, Bunbury rushed it in from 6 yards out to start yet another touchdown parade for Screven County. It was a nice run play to start the scoring, but the Gamecocks lost their cool and were flagged with a taunting penalty. Even with the free yardage, the visiting Eagles couldn’t get into any rhythm and had to punt again.
The ensuing drive began with a 45 yard pass to Kashawn Robinson, but would be wiped off after another 15 yard Screven penalty. The Gamecocks pulled themselves together for another steady Bunbury-led scoring drive.
Facing a big deficit, the Eagles began their longest drive of the night. On a big 3rd and 10, Josey quarterback Dakale Fluellen overthrew his favorite target. Or so it seemed. Instead of another overthrown pass, Josey was rewarded with another Screven County penalty, this time a pass interference. The drive continued but back-to-back incompletions on 3rd and 4th down would give the ball back to the home team.
Another quick, effective drive gave the Gamecocks a 21-0 lead with about five minutes left in the half.
The final drive of the half was perhaps the most interesting one for the Gamecocks. After a two yard run play, the next three plays resulted in three penalties for SC — a false start, holding, and an ineligible receiver down field. Following the penalties was more offensive success as the Gamecocks went 45 yards in six plays.
On a 1st and goal from the two, Bunbury rushed into the end zone, but flags went everywhere. A holding call on SC. A chop block call on SC. And a fighting call and ejection for 3-star wide receiver Tyquan Johnson. The result of the play was no touchdown and a loss of 38 yards, pushing the home team back to the Josey 40 yard line.
Screven County received the ball to start the second half and ended with senior fullback CJ Wright scoring his first touchdown of the night. Down 28-0 the Eagles elected to keep the clock running. A pair of touchdowns later, the homecoming blowout was over.
Coach Ron Duncan was undoubtedly disappointed and angry with his players that “know better and it’s not something (they) normally do.” Over the PA system, the announcer broadcasted that in two weeks Jefferson County would come to Kelly Memorial for the region championship. Duncan was instead focused on “preparing for Glenn Hills” next week.