Straughn shuts out West Blocton, advances to 3rd round

The Straughn Tigers dominated every aspect of Friday night’s second round playoff game, shutting out the West Blocton Tigers 30-0.

It was Straughn’s defense that really stepped up, playing an outstanding ball game.

“This was a team that had been just mowing through people, and for our defense to step up and shut them out, it was impressive,” Straughn head coach Trent Taylor said.

After forcing West Blocton to punt on their first drive, the Tigers’ offense used an impressive 71-yard touchdown drive to give Straughn an early advantage. Jarvaris Samuel scored the touchdown from 1-yard out. Following the extra point, Straughn had a 7-0 lead. Samuel also had a huge sack for a 15-yard loss in the third quarter.

After Straughn’s defense forced another punt, Straughn was able to drive down the field and tack on three points on Jordin Boutwell’s 24-yard field goal.

Straughn’s defense was at it again on West Blocton’s next drive, forcing and recovering a fumble to give the ball right back to their offense.

It didn’t take long for Rollin Kinsaul to put more points on the board, this time with a powerful 17-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, and Straughn led 17-0.

“We knew coming in we would have to be physical with them. They were talking a lot of trash during the week saying we couldn’t play physical, and I think tonight we proved that we could be,” Kinsaul said.

The Straughn offense opened up the second half with another strong touchdown drive. Kinsaul threw a fade to Marshall Farely in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown. After the extra point was successful, Straughn held a 24-0 lead.

Straughn added one more score after their defense forced another punt in the fourth quarter. Samuel added his second touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run. The extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score at 30-0.

“It was a great win and a great effort from our guys,” Taylor said. “I’m really proud of the way everyone played tonight on a long road trip. We get to play again next week and that is what really matters.”

Straughn will play UMS-Wright in round three.

Both teams are 11-1 on the season. UMS-Wright as scored 448 points this season and allowed their opponents only 141. Straughn has scored 447, and allowed 219.

Straughn’s only loss came early in September, when they fell to St. James. UMS-Wright fell to St. Paul in the last regular-season game.