SUMNER — Simmons High School football coach Tavares Johnson Sr. has coached the Blue Devils to three state championships. The way things are looking (and you never know in the playoffs), Coach Johnson may soon have his fourth.
In their latest victory, the Blue Devils went on the road Thursday and completely overwhelmed West Tallahatchie 70-6.
“We played well in all areas of the game. We executed on offense, on defense and on special teams,” Coach Johnson said.
The overwhelming victory on Thursday pushed Simmons’ record to a perfect 8-0. They have outscored their opponents 372-26 this season.
Coach Johnson said he is his staff are taking things one game at a time, and they are not looking past next week’s home game against West Bolivar. Johnson did, however, say there are some characteristics that his team this year shares with his championship squads.
“There are definitely some things that this team has in common with those teams, but we are not looking ahead. That is a bad omen. The coaching staff and me are just looking to the next game,” he said.
Vontrez Rush scored four touchdowns and rushed for 182 yards on nine carries in the game. The Blue Devils racked up a total of 275 rushing yards.
Chartavian Bethany caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Devontae Rush from 24 yards out. Devontae Rush also ran in a score.
Blue Devil Eddie George had two rushing touchdowns as well. On defense, George scored on a fumble return, amassed six tackles (two for a loss), and returned an interception 62 yards.
Simmons’ Tymon Wells had eight tackles (two for a loss) and a sack.
The game between Simmons and West Tallie was moved to Thursday night because of a statewide shortage in game officials in the MHSAA.
After this Friday night’s game against West Bolivar, the Blue Devils end the season on Nov. 5 at Coldwater.
