Timpson blows past Centerville 41-14

There are only eight teams left in contention for the 2A Division I title, and the Timpson Bears are one of those teams. The Bears’ 41-14 win over the Centerville Tigers gives them the opportunity to defend their Region III Champion status against the Cooper Bulldogs this Friday night.

In Jacksonville’s Tomato Bowl last Friday night, Centerville received the opening kick and employed the only proven tactic to slow down the Bears’ high-powered offense, keep the ball out of their possession. Centerville moved the ball well in the opening drive stacking up four first downs. Their ground game ate up more than eight minutes’ worth of clock.

Just as it seemed Centerville would score, a costly fumble inside the Timpson 10-yard line gave the Bears their first opportunity on offense.

Timpson spent the remainder of the first quarter eating up 94 yards on their way to their first touchdown. Terry Bussey capped off the drive with a huge 58-yard touchdown rush.

Timpson’s defense stepped up on the second Centerville possession forcing the Tigers to punt. Bussey once again led his team down the field, this time punching the ball in from the one giving the Bears a 14-0 lead.

Centerville finally crossed the goal line just before halftime trimming the lead to seven.

The scary thing about Timpson’s offense is that they don’t need a ton of time to move the football great distances. With only 1:14 on the clock, the Bears received the kick and just a couple of plays later, Bussey connected with Vosky Howard as he streaked down the sideline on a 47-yard bomb. With only five yards to go, Howard found resistance in the form of two Tiger defenders. Howard dug deep however, and absolutely bullied the two defenders between himself and the endzone. Nothing was stopping this young man from crossing the goal line.

Timpson received the kick opening the second half leading 21-7. The Bears added to that lead when Howard snagged another big reception. This one went for 51 yards and a touchdown putting the Bears up 27-7.

Centerville was able to answer with a touchdown of their own, but it would be their last of the season. Bussey rushed for another pair of touchdowns before the final whistle giving Timpson a 41-14 victory.

Bussey’s cashed in a six-touchdown performance, two through the air and four on the ground. He tallied 170 yards in the passing game and 202 yards rushing.

Howard’s big night included 132 yards on six receptions with two touchdowns.

Timpson now faces Cooper to determine who will represent Region III in the State Semifinals. These two undefeated powerhouses will meet at Eagle Stadium in Lindale Friday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.