Blackman football got off to a slow start this season as they lost their first three games but bounced back in week 4, scoring their first win of the season against Summit 28-27.
Blackman came off a great season last season with an 11-3 finish, but head coach Chandler Tygard took a job to be the head coach at Cleveland High School for the 2023 season. So, Blackman brought in coach Matt Kriesky to be the head coach for the football team as they try to have another great season.
Blackman and Summit also had a matchup last season at The Inferno where Blackman cruised past Summit in a great offensive performance by former QB (quarterback) Jack Risner. Current QB Carter Gregory is trying to fill the shoes of Risner and his record-breaking season.
“Carter is a great guy who has crazy talent, and I hope he does well and launches some,” said Risner, now a graduate.
The Blackman offense had some struggles in their first three games, but they looked good against Summit, especially in the second half, which is something that they needed to turn their season around. This win shows a rise in morale for the players.
“I think we had a great game plan for Summit, and we executed it very well,” stated Gregory, senior and starting QB for Blackman.
Summit got on the board early in the first quarter with a Dominick Hollis rushing touchdown to put them up 7-0. In the second quarter Blackman responded with an 18-yard rushing touchdown from Caden Perkins, senior, to tie the game at 7.
Summit answered that with a 30-yard reception from Dominick Hollis that he took to the house for his second touchdown of the game, putting his team up 14-7. Blackman responded with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by RB (running back) Jabari Kemp to tie the game at 14. Summit took the lead back, though, after an 18-yard touchdown pass to put them up 21-14 going into halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Blackman TE (tight end) Ethan Carson, junior, tied the game up at 21 with a 29-yard touchdown.
“I think the offense is in a spot where they are comfortable throwing and running it,” stated Gregory.
Summit QB Mason Mcelhaney ran it in for a 2-yard touchdown to put his team back on top. During the PAT (point after touchdown), Blackman’s Trey Mcgaffee, junior, blocked the kick to make it where 7 points would put his team back on top.
When Blackman needed it most, John Dragoo, junior, made a huge play that ended up being an 84-yard catch and ran for a touchdown. Sophomore Tyler Borombozin made the important PAT that ended up winning the game for Blackman.
“Really just tried to get up the field like our coaches preach and not getting caught,” said Dragoo about his huge play.
Summit had a chance to answer, but junior Jalen Anderson made a huge play as he intercepted Summit’s QB Mcelhaney to seal the game.
“Shout out to my dog Jalen Anderson with the toe tap pick that sealed the game,” said Dragoo.
After a great first win, Blackman will be tested next week against the powerhouse of Rutherford County, the Oakland Patriots.
Blackman is going to need something special to give a fight to the Patriots. The Blackman team is coming together as a family. This one-point win could be a turnaround in the Blaze season.
