Jarrett scores 5 TDs in Big Blue win

Junior running back records just one of many milestones in Hamilton’s dominating performance.

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By Jay Morrison, Staff Writer 1:36 AM Saturday, October 3, 2009

HAMILTON — It was a night for rhinestones and milestones at Virgil Schwarm Stadium.

Hamilton High School seniors Laken Kimble and Lehray Curtis donned jewel-studded crowns after being voted Homecoming Queen and King, and junior running back Devin Jarrett assumed the role as Touchdown King by finding the end zone a school-record five times in a 48-7 rout of Sycamore.

“It’s funny because coach (Mike) Dole told me earlier today that tonight was my night,” Jarrett said. “We were looking at the records, and he told me I was gonna get it.”

Jarrett scored on runs of 23, 5, 1, 1 and 2 yards to break the previous record of four set by Mike Myers in 1997. Jarrett tied Myers’ mark with 1 minute and 27 seconds left in the first half. And he punched in the fifth touchdown with 12 seconds left in the third quarter.

“I had no idea what the record was,” HHS coach Jim Place said after watching his team improve to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in the Greater Miami Conference.

“As a matter of fact, we got down there close on his last one, and I told (offensive coordinator John Aregood) to give the ball to Jarrad Faulkner and let him get a touchdown,” Place continued. “But he had already called the play, and Devin got it. But I didn’t know he broke the record until I heard it on the PA.”

As impressive as the performance was, it was not the only milestone of the evening.

Jarrett also rushed for a career-high 146 yards, and the 48 points scored and 41-point margin of victory were the highest totals since Place took over in 2006.

And the Hamilton defense got in on the act as well with six turnovers, which equals the most ever under Place.

“The defense helped a lot,” Place said. “The defensive backs had a great week of practice, and they really played well.”

Robert Givens intercepted two passes, and Todd Dockery and Chris Tarrant each had one as Big Blue limited Sycamore quarterbacks Kyle Sess and Jonathan Coddington to 4-of-17 passing for 35 yards.

“It just all came together tonight,” Givens said after recording the first two interceptions of his varsity career. “This feels really great.”

Gerald Davis and Chaz Veal each recovered fumbles, and Anthony Neal and Malachai Daniels each had a sack to help kill some promising drives by the Aviators (2-4, 0-3 GMC), who finished with 295 total yards to Hamilton’s 358.

“I was pleased with how physical we played tonight against a good football team,” Place said.

HHS quarterback Drew Townsend returned from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the last two games, completing 6-of-11 passes for 78 yards while splitting duties with Brian Cleckley, who didn’t throw a pass but rushed for 58 yards and a TD.

And Faulkner did eventually get his touchdown on a 25-yard run with 8:44 left in the game.

“I told the kids to have fun at the dance and have a good weekend, and we’ll see them on Monday to get ready for Mason,” Place said.

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