Jones County controlled the pace from the opening kickoff as the Greyhounds defeated Houston County 42-3 in Game 2 of the MetroPCS Corky Kell Classic at Five Star Stadium at Mercer University in Macon.
Jones County coach Justin Rogers discussed the importance of a win in the Corky Kell shortly after the game.
“We love it,” he said. “Love it, love it, love it. You get to open up your year in a playoff atmosphere. We have a lot of players who have never started a game in a playoff atmosphere, and so it is so good for them to experience this, to settle them down. I just enjoy playing in these kickoff classics.”
The action started early, as senior Drake Bolus returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, setting the pace for the rest of the game.
“It is nice when you return the opening kickoff back,” Rogers said. “It takes a lot of the pressure off, doesn’t it?”
Bolus explained that practice situations prepared him for the opening kickoff against Houston County.
“During practice, we always practice returns by going up the middle and then bouncing outside,” Bolus said. “So that is what I did.”
Bolus also had one reception on his only target for 79 yards and a score.
“On the other touchdown, I just made a play, I guess,” Bolus said. “We had to. It is my last year and I had to turn it up.” He finished the game with 65 yards rushing on 12 attempts.
The Greyhounds, who played in the Corky Kell at Mercer last season, did not let up, and with 6:49 left in the first quarter, quarterback Teldrick Ross found a crease and rushed for a 68-yard touchdown. Ross, who would score again in the second quarter on a 40-yard run, finished the game with 161 yards rushing and 107 yards passing.