Shoot To Thrill: Alcoa

Defensive back Terran Cox makes the stop on an Elizabethton ball carrier, but check out the action at left. Good gracious! The Cyclones were the real deal on the offensive line. As the final score indicates, this was no cakewalk for the Tornadoes.

The mayhem in this shot is compelling, especially when you check out the Tornado in the back row, second from right. Talk about staying chill!

Junior defensive back Cameron Woody played a pivotal role in Alcoa’s ability to get a handle on the Elizabethton ground game. Woody’s job was to take on the Cyclone fullback, forcing the play in the direction where the Tornadoes had plenty of help. Man, though!

We like this shot of senior Ian Dunkin taking on a Cyclone blocker because it gives you a good look at the Elizabethton offensive line. The Cyclones weren’t just big. They could charge.

The happy warrior, Alcoa fullback Malik Salter, displays a zest for his work as his block clears the way for quarterback Jaylen Myers to reach the secondary.

Place-kicker Ben Smith boots the Tornadoes into the semifinals with this 23-yard, fourth quarter effort out of Cameron Woody’s hold. A soccer player by trade, this is only Smith’s second season as a football kicker. He’s hit from 47 this season. Amazing.

Jaylen kicks the jets. Enough said.

Tristan Woody is one of the best high school football players we’ve ever watched play the game. He’s not terribly big – 5-foot-10, 190 pounds – to be playing on the defensive line. His technique and tenacity for the position are next level.

We were giddy when we saw this one. Offensive lineman Logan Turbyfill was not only out in front on this Colton Wright 79-yard screen pass. Turbyfill deposited the defender with the best chance to stop Wright into the Elizabethton bench. Three days later, we’re still coming to grips with how fast Turbyfill was moving.