By: Tim Alsobrooks
Paris, Tenn.- In a rare Thursday night showdown on the gridiron, the Henry County Patriots moved to 7-2 on the year and remained perfect in Region play at 5-0 with a big victory over Region and longtime foe Northeast 40-26.
The Patriots scored early with a one run touchdown by Jayln Foster with 6:05 left in the 1st quarter. About 25 second later, Joseph Travis intercepted a pass from Northeast and Darrius Stephens finished it with the extra point to lead 13-0. After a Northeast score, another 1 yard run in touchdown, this time from Jayden Kendall put the Pats up 19-6 at the half.
Jayln Foster scored a touchdown from 2 yards out early in the third quarter, Jemarcus Johnson had an 11 yard run for touchdown, and Donte Davis ran in one from 4 yards out. It was great defense effort on behalf of the Pats as well.
The Patriots will finish the regular season at Northwest next week, playoffs begin the following Friday evening.
Thursday night was also Senior Night with senior players, cheerleaders, band members, and Madrigals honored with their parents and guardians. Senior Keith Norman lost his father, Bill Norman, this week. Bill was a long-time Patriots’ supporter and Patriots cheerleaders released balloons in his honor.
The game and senior night festivities were moved up to Thursday night due to a forecast of heavy rain Friday afternoon and evening through Saturday evening.
Photo: Cheerleaders release balloons in honor of long-time Patriots supporter Bill Norman. His son, Keith was honored, too, on Senior Night. (Kim Patterson photo).