Graceville falls to Jefferson

Jefferson County broke open a close game with an explosive second half Friday night in Monticello, taking a 42-6 win over the Graceville Tigers to clinch a playoff berth.

The game was tied 6-6 at halftime, but the home Tigers exploded for 36 second-half points to take the win.

Jefferson County moved to 3-0 in District 1-1B and 4-4 overall for the season.

Graceville fell to 0-2 in district play and 1-6 overall.

With the win, Jefferson County clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2004.

Jefferson County will take on FAMU next week in Monticello for the district championship.

Both teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter, but the defenses dominated the second period of play and the game remained tied at the break.

However, the explosive speed of Jefferson County took control of the game after the break.

Graceville coach Todd Wertenberger said the plan was to control the clock and keep the Jefferson County offense off the field.

When the GHS offense could no longer do that, Jefferson County kicked it into high gear.

“The main thing with a team like that is you have to keep them off the field,” the coach said. “We had a seven-minute drive in the first half, and that’s what we needed to do. When we couldn’t move the ball (in the second half), they were able to break it open.

“We just couldn’t get anything going, and they got stronger and stronger as the game went on.”

Running back Devondrick Nealy led the way for Jefferson County, rushing 20 times for 202 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Lenorris Footman provided the balance to the Jefferson County attack, completing 9-of-18 passes for 212 yards and two TDs.