Blackman traveled to Riverdale for the annual Backyard Brawl where the Blaze won 17-10 in a great game.
The game was moved to 6 p.m. but did not start until around 6:30 p.m. due to a weather delay. When the game finally started, you could just tell it was going to be a good game.
Blackman started off hot as they went up 7-0 on senior Jabari Kemp, a rushing touchdown.
After a couple of stops, the Blaze added on with senior Tyler Borombozin’s field goal to make it 10-0. Riverdale responded with a field goal of their own to make it 10-3 going into halftime.
Halftime was longer than normal, as a two-hour weather delay had fans holding in the gym, wondering if they were going to postpone the game. Both teams’ bands left, and a lot of student section members left as well, but at 9:30 p.m., the game started back up.
The Warriors came out strong after the delay, tying the game at 10 p.m. But the next drive, the Blaze responded with Kemp’s second rushing touchdown of the game, retaking the lead with 17-10.
Blackman’s defense forced a stop, giving the offense the ball back to start another drive. But just when the Blaze were about to score, Riverdale’s defense made a huge play, tipping and intercepting a pass to give them the ball back with five minutes left.
Riverdale took their time driving down the field and cruised down to their own two-yard line with a minute to go. But the Blaze defense was able to make a goal-line stand, and it was the fourth-and-goal for the Warriors. With the game on the line, Riverdale’s quarterback dropped back and fired a pass to the back corner of the endzone, where senior Jaden Lark made a game saving play by knocking the ball away to help the Blaze win 17-10.
“Big time players make big time plays,” said Lark. “They were talking a whole bunch before the game, and I had to let them know that I’m the truth.”
Before the game, a tweet was sent out that said, “Good morning, Rutherford County, I hope everyone is awake and ready to see Gavin Hampton, Riverdale’s quarterback, absolutely torch Jaden Lark tonight.” This is just one of the things sent out about Blackman as there was a lot of trash talk before the game.
Senior Jaylin Dowell, who was also a part of the game winning play said, “If that ball is in the air, we going to come and get it.”
Despite the two-hour delay and many people going home, the Blackman student section remained loud and supportive.
“It’s something you have to be there to experience. One of the top matchups in the state, and it comes down to the one-yard line for Riverdale to win. But the only difference is that Blackman football has something to prove and that’s exactly what they did. Nothing can stop a group of guys who want it more,” junior John Beard said on the game and his experience from the student section.
Blackman will travel to Nolensville to try and stay undefeated this Friday. Come out and support your Blackman Blaze as they go on their journey to the state championship.
