Looking at Lashunn

By: Jeremy Chisenhall, Asst. Editor

Every week for this football season I will be doing a player spotlight to show a player who excelled on, or maybe off of, the field. For my first spotlight, I want to highlight Junior Lashunn Townsend's performance on the field this past week against Walton Verona.

He was crucial for their victory against the Bearcats, as he led the team in multiple statistical categories; including rushing yards and yards per-catch. Townsend had three rushing attempts for 80 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 64 receiving yards. One of his three catches was a clutch reception on third and long that would set up the game-winning touchdown pass from Jordan Fann to Charles Gaines. 

I had a moment to catch up with Townsend, and ask him a couple questions about his performance.

When asked if he thought the game was in Lloyd's hands after his catch late in the game which set up the game-winning play, his response was rather simple.

"Yes, it was (in our hands)."

I also asked him if he expected to continue to be the team's leading rusher for the rest of the season, and he stayed humble in his answer. 

"No, Justin (Durham) was injured so I had to make it up. When Justin comes back he will be the leading rusher."

Townsend was a great contributor to the win against Walton Verona, and is sure to be an impact player all season long, perhaps even landing himself on the player spotlight once again. 

Friday Night Juggs vs. Tigers

Black out night at Cecil Dees Memorial Field

Lashunn Townsend for the completion

Tigers Trample Lloyd

By: Isabel Harrison, Editorial Editor

 Lloyd took on the Beechwood Tigers at home this past Friday for a packed crowd, everyone anticipating a close game. The student section was clad in black, and ready for a fight. The stand erupted into chants and cheers right from kickoff. This was a huge game.

Beechwood was the first to score. They ran it in with a two point conversion with 7:31 left in the first quarter. The Juggs answered with a pass to Lushunn Townsend for a gain of 34, leading to a touchdown for Charles Gaines and a successful two point conversion. The games tied 8-8 at the end of the first quarter, and the crowd is fired up with the possibility of a win still in sight.

The excitement quickly turned to tension as Beechwood completes a pass for another TD and extra point. It’s now 15-8 with 10:34 left in the half. Lloyd would again retaliate with many major gains down the field resulting in another Charles Gaines touchdown. Extra point is no good. The score is 15-14; the Tigers are fourth down and goal, and the Juggernauts stop them at the five. The fans scream and jump from their seats at the defensive victory, and the opportunity to take the lead.

Once again, the hope was short lasted. The Tigers intercepted the ball with 1:07 to go, and ran it in for a touchdown. Alex Runion returned the ball to Lloyd’s 35, followed by Jamorrow Dawson clutching a first down at the 50. Just when the stands started to light up again, another crushing interception was run in for a touchdown. The score at the half was 28-14, Beechwood Tigers.

Beechwood got yet another touchdown in the start of the 3^rd quarter, giving them 35, while Lloyd remains at 14. Runion got the punt return to the 36, followed by a major catch by Dawson with 5:36 left in the quarter. Just as they approached the end zone, QB throws his third interception of the night for another Tiger TD in the 4^th. They fail a two point conversion for a score of 41-14.

At this point, aside from the cheerleaders, everyone is either groaning or seeking refuge in the concession stand. Lloyd’s possession. Justin Durham runs the ball to Beechwood’s 33, then a Gaines first down and goal. Finally, a touchdown by Creech and the two points conversion is good. The score is 41-22 with 6:06 left in the game.

The game ended with another Tiger touchdown, Runion injured and taken out of the game, and the fourth and final interception of the game. I suppose we should be thankful that the time ran out before they could score off of it. Final score: 48-22, Tigers.