It might have been one night earlier than usual for high school football, but Blackman continued their winning ways on Thursday night. The Blaze improved to 8-1 on the season after defeating the Stewarts Creek Redhawks 34-21 in a game that was closer than expected for much of the contest.

It didn’t look nearly as easy as most of their other wins, but a strong second half effort from a pair of Blackman juniors helped the Blaze secure the victory.

Running back Jordan Brown ran like a man possessed. Totaling three touchdowns on the night, not counting the two that were called back due to holding, the junior was the go-to back for the Blaze.

“I just run angry,” said the junior after the game. “Our [offensive] line blocked incredibly. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.” 

On the defensive side of the ball, junior safety Luke Hayes made a number of key tackles, including an open field tackle of Stewarts Creek quarterback Jonnie Simmons on a key third down early in the second half.

“I saw that he was scrambling out [like] he was attempting to make the pass, but I thought if I put pressure on him that I could get him down before he threw the ball and get it to fourth down,” said the junior. “I think I competed pretty well.” 

Hayes also added a late fourth-quarter interception that set up the final Blaze touchdown of the night.

In addition to his stellar play, Hayes is obviously an emotional leader on the team. Waving his arms and celebrating the big hits brought a jolt to the crowd when the game was close. “It’s just passion for the game. I’ve loved it ever since I was a kid,” Hayes continued.

The first half was too close for comfort for a Blackman team that had been used to turning on the jets in the second quarter.

Stewarts Creek ran the option well early. It gave the Blackman defense some trouble when Redhawks junior quarterback Jonnie Simmons kept the ball and ran 54 yards to tie it 7-7 in the first quarter.

There were lots of penalties on Thursday night. In fact, Blackman had three touchdowns taken off the scoreboard due to penalty.

The Blaze hope to see a lot less yellow hankies next week when they host crosstown rival Riverdale in the regular season finale.

The Warriors will come to the Inferno with a 5-4 record and they would love nothing more than to affect Blackman’s playoff seeding with an upset victory over the Blaze on Senior Night.

The game will kickoff at 7 pm. 

Top photo: Touchdown by Jordan Brown. (All photos by Tina Barker)

Joel A. Barker is a sports writing minister. Follow him on Twitter @joelabarker for perspectives on ministry as well as coverage of Blackman & MTSU athletics.