Martin Nearly Flawless in Thomson's Season Opening Win
Despite lopsided result, Thomson and Jefferson County both impressed in 2021 debut
Thomson scored a touchdown on every one of its five possessions Friday to earn a 35-6 road win over Jefferson County to open the season. Despite the lopsided score, the matchup between two teams that entered the season ranked in the top 10 in their respective classifications did not disappoint. Neither team turned over the ball and both gained more than 200 yards rushing. Thomson’s ability to move the ball through the air (109 yards and 2 touchdowns), its virtually error free execution, and the presence of Tay Martin, who played a mostly flawless game, proved to be the difference.
Almost entirely in the first half alone, Martin rushed for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 6 carries. He caught a pass from Noah Story (4-4 for 103 yards and 2 TDs) and left two would be tacklers in the dust on his way to a 52 yard touchdown. And he made a key stop on fourth-and-21 when Jefferson County’s Nick Jordan came flying around the right end on a fake punt, only to be slammed to the ground by Martin 3 yards shy of a first down at the Thomson 21 when the Bulldogs led 14-0 late in the second quarter.
Head coach Michael Youngblood talked about that play in our post game interview (below). He also shared his frustration about the fact that more college recruiters aren’t pursuing Martin, who has been the most productive player in the area during the past 2-plus seasons.
Thomson logged 332 yards of total offense, including 220 on the ground and 112 through the air. Jefferson County rushed for 265 yards, but the Warriors were only able to convert in the red zone once out of their three trips inside Thomson’s 20 yard line. The Bulldogs will host Grovetown (0-0) this Friday night, while Jefferson County will travel to Swainsboro (0-1).
After Friday’s win, Thomson moved up one spot to #7 in GPB’s class 3A state rankings. Jefferson County fell from the class 2A list after entering the season ranked #10.
Standout Performances
Thomson (offense)
Tay Martin - 126 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 6 carries; 1 reception for a 52 yard touchdown
Noah Story - 4-4 passing for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns
Anthony Jeffrey - 10 carries for 52 yards and 1 touchdown
Jordan Lane - 2 receptions for 25 yards, and 4 carries for 25 yards
Ashton Perry - 2 receptions for 35 yards and 1 touchdown
Thomson (defense)
Quan Rogers - 8 tackles (4 for a loss)
Travion Curry - 11 tackles
Trell Crowder - 5 tackles (1 for a loss)
Dan’quavious Cummings - 4 tackles
Nolan Norman - 6 tackles
Jaquan Hart - 5 tackles
Jefferson County
Nick Jordan - 8 carries for 94 yards and 1 touchdown; 3 tackles (1 for a loss)
Keyshawn Vaughner - 18 carries for 81 yards
Jaron Cash - 8 carries for 49 yards