Friday night was one to forget for the Joaquin Rams as they traveled to Timpson and were left scoreless after four quarters. Timpson made short work of Joaquin to the tune of a 69-0 shutout. The Bears are a force to be reckoned with boasting multiple D1 prospects and a real chance at a state title this year.
Timpson was led by senior quarterback Terry Bussey who completed six passes on 11 attempts for 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Bussey also had five carries for 185 yards along with two more touchdowns. On one carry, Bussey traveled the entire length of the field on a 99-yard touchdown sprint. The Timpson quarterback averaged a ridiculous 37 yards per carry.
Bussey was not the only Bear with an absurd rushing average. Junior running back J.J. Garner averaged 34 yards per carry. He racked up an impressive 102 yards and three touchdowns on only three carries for the Bears. Sophomore Chris Nickleberry was also active in the run game. He had five carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
Vosky Howard led the team in receiving yards with 120 on two catches. Howard also had an 85-yard touchdown reception. Amari Bruton caught three passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Timpson will now move on to face the Shelbyville Dragons in their penultimate game of the regular season. Shelbyville will have homefield advantage, but the Bears will be heavily favored in this matchup.
Joaquin will need to move past this defeat to focus on their contest with the West Sabine Tigers this week. This game marks the end of Joaquin’s regular season. With four teams sitting at one district win no one is statistically eliminated from playoff contention.
If the Rams lose this week, their playoff chances move to zero. A win here keeps hope alive for one more week. In this scenario, Joaquin will then require some help from the Grapeland Sandies who face the San Augustine Wolves next week.