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Dragons Win Big Behind Williams

By GREGG BECNEL

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 15, 2008

TAMPA - Jefferson sophomore quarterback Quentin Williams threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Dragons to a 27-7 win against Middleton at Abe Brown Stadium on Friday.

Jefferson (6-4), which was the Class 4A-District 10 runner-up, begins postseason play at Bradenton Southeast next Friday in a region quarterfinal game.

"We're trying to turn things up and peak at the right time," Dragons coach Mike Fenton said. "This was a perfect type of game for us to get ready for the playoffs."

The Tigers ended their season with five consecutive losses to finish 2-8. Middleton, which has been beset with injuries, was outscored 127-24 in its final four games.

Jefferson scored on its first two possessions to grab a quick 14-0 lead.

Williams, who completed 21 of 27 attempts, capped the first drive (11 plays, 76 yards) with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Fred Overstreet at the 7:37 mark of the first quarter.

The Dragons' second scoring march was longer than the first but took less plays, as Marcus Johnson capped the seven-play, 96-yard drive with a 5-yard run 2:32 before the end of the first.

Williams and Eric Royster set up Johnson's touchdown when they hooked up on a 60-yard pass to the Middleton 5.

"Quentin played exceptionally well," Fenton said. "He was very heady out there."

Jefferson made it 21-0 when Williams hit Andre Davis in the left corner of the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown with 5:10 remaining in the half.

The Dragons outgained Middleton 284-28 in the first half and 455-125 for the game.

"Our defense is getting better every week," Fenton said. "To win championships and get deep in the playoffs you have to have a good defense, and I think that's what we're building here."

Jefferson upped its lead to 27-0 when Williams threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Devion Falconer with 4:10 remaining in the third.

Williams completed passes to eight different receivers.

"And the good thing about that," Fenton said, "is that they're young and will be back next year."

The lone bright spot for the Tigers was the second-half running of junior Rodney Johnson. After being held to 3 yards on three carries in the first half, Johnson finished with 99 yards on 15 carries.

Middleton avoided the shutout on quarterback Ricky Mann's 1-yard sneak late in the third quarter.