PACE, FLA- As a result of an impressive rushing performance, Pace High School (2-0, 0-0 4S District One) overpowered St. Martin High School (1-1, 6A Region Four), winning 38-18. With the win, the Patriots remain undefeated entering their week three non-conference tilt versus West Florida HS (2-0, 2S District One). Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets drop to 1-1 against non-conference opponents on the season, and will look to notch their second win of the season against West Marion (1-1, 0-0 3A Region Eight).
As previously mentioned, Pace’s immaculate rushing attack propelled the Patriots to their second win of the season. Led by Sophomore Quarterback Nick Simmons and Sophomore Running Back Ben Tyner, Pace recorded 347 rushing yards and five touchdowns, both season-highs. For context, Tyner ran for a team-high 149 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 rushing attempts, while Simmons had 22 rushing attempts for 125 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Likewise, Sophomore Receiver Nash Pires (1/20/0), Junior Quarterback Ethan Diamond (3/18/0), Junior Receiver Xakery Wiedner (1/6/0), and Senior Running Back Jayson Alford (3/29/0) all received rushing attempts.
Due to the strong running game, Pace had no reason for Simmons to throw the football while nursing a 23-6 lead over St. Martin at halftime. As a result, Simmons completed just 1-4 pass attempts for 22 yards, bringing his season total up to 193 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions on 8-14 passing.
Although Pace’s offense simply overpowered St. Martin’s defense, it’s worth noting that the Patriot defense struggled to contain St. Martin’s offense, led by Junior Quarterback DK Jenkins. Following his two-interception game against Stone HS in week one, Jenkins enjoyed a bounce-back performance versus Pace, completing 15-27 pass attempts for three touchdowns and zero interceptions while adding 88 rushing yards on 14 carries. Of the five receivers Jenkins completed passes to, Sophomore Receiver Jalen Anderson (1/13/1) and Junior Receiver Noreel White (9/88/2) each caught touchdown passes from Jenkins.
Similar to their passing game, St. Martin’s rushing game remained effective against Pace, as the Yellow Jackets notched 244 rushing yards on 30 rushing attempts. Between the physically strong running of Sophomore Running Back Jaylon Dampier (14/144/0) and the elusiveness of Jenkins, St. Martin averaged an-impressive 8.1 yards per carry (YPC). For reference, Pace averaged 6.8 YPC as a team.
Defensively, Pace was able to limit St. Martin to just three scoring drives despite recording 379 total yards of offense. The main reason for this was the consistent pressure applied throughout the game. Sophomore Defensive Lineman Tylon Lee recorded nine total tackles, six QB hurries, and his first sack of the season. Furthermore, Junior Linebacker Jackson Ward made a team-high 13 tackles, and was closely followed by Junior Defensive Back Brayden Gates.
To no surprise, Senior Kicker Riece Griffith continued his excellent play, converting all five of his extra-point attempts and his lone 33-yard field goal attempt. Griffith also managed the punting duties, where his two punts traveled 78 yards, both of which landing inside the 20-yard line.