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Senior Logan Goodman
Tigers rout Trojans, host top-ranked Bulldogs Friday

By Gary Buchanan

Tallassee dominated St. James on its way to a 42-14 victory in second round action Friday night.  The win puts the Tigers into the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

St. James started the scoring when Blake Underwood scampered 69 yards for the first of his two touchdowns.  Underwood found pay dirt again in the third quarter on a 59-yard run.  Those two runs were the only bright spots for the Trojans on a night controlled by the Tigers.

Casey Baynes connected with Jake Burton for two of his three touchdown passes.  Those passes covered 27 and 15 yards respectively.  Burton was the leading receiver for Tallassee with four catches for 66 yards.  Jamarcus Miller also had a 15-yard touchdown reception.  On the night, Baynes completed five of seven passes for 81 yards and three touchdowns.  He added another 119 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. On defense, he intercepted two St. James passes. On Tallassee's lone punt, Baynes booted a 47-yarder.

Markevious Matthews had another stellar game as well.  He scored on runs of 39 and 90 yards on his way to 246 yards rushing on 19 carries. 

The outstanding performances by Baynes and Matthews earned them Co-Bright House Player of the Game honors.

Coach Mike Battles was pleased with his team’s performance.  “Our offense did a good job of moving the chains.  Our kids played great.  We’re glad to be practicing on Monday.”

The Tigers return home for the third round of the playoffs Friday night.  Tallassee (9-3) will host top-ranked Andalusia (11-1) for the first time since 1941.  Tallassee won both previous meetings with the Bulldogs.

Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at J. E. "Hot" O’Brien Stadium. 1300 WTLS/106.5 FM will broadcast live beginning at 6:00. Audio will be simulcast on Bright House Networks cable television channel 97 and Tallassee Times TV: www.tallasseetv.com.  Video streaming is available through the NFHS Network on a subscription basis. The broadcast is also available through the Tune-In App and followed by the "Scoreboard Show" until 11:00 p.m.

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