Coming off a big win over Red Bank High School last week, Soddy-Daisy had another impressive outing Friday, defeating William Blount on the road, 33-14.
"I am really proud of our kids," said first-year coach E.K. Slaughter, a former Red Bank assistant. "They came out and executed and played hard all night."
That effort began on the first play, when Bubba Haney returned the opening kickoff down to the William Blount 1-yard line for Soddy-Daisy.
The Governors pushed Soddy-Daisy back to the 16, but on third down, Haney caught a touchdown pass from Scott Parrott.
"He's bigtime," said Slaughter of Haney. "That kid has blown it up for two games. He has been ungodly."
William Blount (0-3, 0-1 Region 2-5A) quickly came back with a 71-yard TD run by Robbie Irwin following a pass from freshman Zach Owens.
Still in the first quarter, the teams traded scores again. Donavan Barnes caught a 17-yard touchdown pass for the Trojans after another good return by Haney. That score was followed by a 10-yard TD catch by Jonathon Ridout of William Blount.
The game was starting to resemble a close basketball contest in score, but the complexion was soon to change.
Barnes put Soddy-Daisy up 21-14 at the half following a 10-yard TD pass from Parrott, who was 12-14 for 188 yards on the night.
The Trojans (2-0, 1-0 Region 2-5A) went ahead 27-14 in the third quarter on a 4-yard run by P.J. Hubbard.
After the Blount County schoool made one last effort to get back in the game before stalling its drive on the Soddy-Daisy 16, Haney caught a 24-yard pass midway through the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
After the game, Slaughter was admittedly pleased with how the season has turned out so far. "The kids are getting it done," he said. "They are buying into it."
He also praised William Blount. "They are a very good football team," he said. "Their record doesn't really show. They are big and strong and well coached."
First-year William Blount coach Richie Wilhite was impressed with Soddy-Daisy as well. "They are a much-improved football team," he said. "I think they played very well."
jcshearer2@comcast.net