Chase blows out Bessemer City

CHASE  —  For the first two weeks of the high school football season, the Trojans suffered through tough losses.

Against Bessemer City, Friday, they put an end to the drama early as they rolled to a 42-12 win over the Yellow Jackets.

With Tyler Gaffney at the helm for Chase, filling in for an injured Tyreece Gossett, the Trojans had a promising drive going, but were facing a 4th and 1 at the Bessemer 29 yard line.

Thomas Camp responded by taking an option pitch and breaking several tackles en route to the end zone for a score. Blake Moffitt booted the point after as Chase took a 7-0 lead with 7:22 left in the first quarter.

After a three-and-out by the Yellow Jackets, thanks in large part to a 10-yard sack by Carlos Watkins, Chase took over at the visitor’s 40-yard line. The Trojans took advantage and found paydirt four plays later as Davon Hines rumbled in from 20 yards out. Moffitt’s kick made the tally 14-0.

After a penalty brought back an apparent 75-yard touchdown pass by Bessemer City, Watkins delivered two sacks to snuff out the drive and leave the score at 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Yellow Jackets recovered a fumble to open the second quarter, but Bessemer City returned the favor at the Trojans 9 yard line.

Chase then unleashed a methodical drive, all on the ground, with the last 11 yards coming when the Trojans faked a handoff to Watkins and Gaffney raced around the right side untouched for the score.

Later, Tajae McMullens intercepted a Brad James’ pass and on the next play Gaffney hit Blake Martin on an apparent 20-yard touchdown pass. He fumbled, however, near the goal line, but Austin Ledford was there to jump on the ball as Chase took a 28-0 lead to the locker room.

The contest evolved into a defensive struggle for much of the third frame until Chase mounted a late drive. Watkins converted a crucial 4th and 11 that set up a three yard plunge from McMullens to make the score 35-0 with 2:32 left in the 3rd.

Chase lost their shutout bid when James threw a 35-yard pass into the end zone for a score. The extra point was missed, leaving the score at 35-6 with 8:35 left in the game.

Bessemer City was driving on their next possession, but Camp forced and recovered a fumble to end the threat.

Chase’ Martin took a pitch and scampered 71-yards to lift Chase to a 42-6 advantage.

The Yellow Jackets added a late score, but it was far too late to change the eventual outcome.

Chase improves to 1-2 on the season, while Bessemer City falls to 0-3.