The Coffee Trojans controlled Friday night’s season opener against the Bainbridge Bearcats on both sides of the ball. The offense was, predictably, tilted toward the run game. The defense, meanwhile, showed they haven’t missed a beat since last season.
Senior quarterback Jordan Phillips played an efficient and effective game, guiding the Coffee offense to 59 points and 484 total yards – 303 rushing and 181 passing. Phillips was 7-9 for 181 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also ran the ball five times for 24 yards. He finished with a 158.6 passer rating.
The Trojans spread the running duties around a talented stable of running backs. Six of Coffee’s eight touchdowns were courtesy of the ground game. Senior back Tyrese Woodgett led the way for the Trojans. He had 10 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Matthew Taylor tallied 11 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown while senior Tyrese Hansley carried the ball 12 times for 58 yards and a touchdown. Junior KJ DeBruce came in with seven carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. He also added a score on the defensive side of the ball when he scooped up a Bainbridge fumble in the first quarter and found the end zone.
Though the Trojans favored the run against the Bearcats, Phillips showed he could also make plays with his arm. He threw two long touchdown passes – a 66-yarder to senior Zean Preston and a 59-yarder to sophomore Tresean Smith. Preston was the Trojans’ leading receiver on Friday, catching two passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Smith’s one catch went for the touchdown. Senior Bray Coe and Woodgett also caught two passes.
Defensively, seniors Cupris Morgan, Chris Reed, Jyarius Carter, and Isaiah Johnson each recorded four tackles. Fellow senior Mykevious Smith had three stops.
Junior offensive lineman Kevin Gilliard paced the line with five pancake blocks. Seniors Jaylon Simpkins and Jaydon Vester had four.
Senior kicker Jonah Saylor was a perfect 8-8 on extra points and added a 45-yard field goal as well.
The Trojans will face the Ware County Gators at home Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30. Both teams are 1-0.