Rural Class 1A: Jefferson County too much for Chipley

ORLANDO — Chipley’s state football championship dreams were shattered in the span of less than seven minutes on Friday.

Jefferson County (9-5) capitalized on two turnovers in the third quarter and broke open a close game to win the inaugural Rural Class 1A crown 47-13 at the Citrus Bowl. Chipley finished 11-3 and defeated three district champions in advancing to it first state title game. It couldn’t pull off a fourth win over a district champion in the biggest game, which slipped away quickly after halftime.

The teams were tied 7-7 after a first half filled with turnovers and missed opportunities. Chipley didn’t score any points in three of four trips inside the Jefferson County 20-yard line in the opening 24 minutes. Unable to secure any momentum, Chipley was overwhelmed thereafter and held to 198 total yards.

Jefferson County’s Alphonso Footman, who led all rushers with 130 yards, scored on a 13-yard run to give his team a 14-7 lead with 8:05 left in the third quarter. Chipley’s stalled on its next possession and a bad snap went through punter Fletcher Dilmore’s legs to give Jefferson County the ball at the 22.

Quarterback Lenorris Footman, 8 for 12 passing with 145 yards, two TDs and two interceptions, scored on the next play and Jefferson County led 21-7 with 4:18 to go in the third quarter. Ryan McIntrye fumbled on the next Chipley series and Lenorris Footman found Ladarian Smiley for 31 yards on the ensuing play for a 27-7 lead with 3:54 showing.

Smiley wasn’t done, returning a punt 72 yards for a score to turn a close game into a rout with 1:32 to go in the quarter. He grabbed a 41-yard pass in the fourth quarter for Jefferson County’s final touchdown and finished with 116 yards on five receptions.

Chipley dominated the first half with nearly 17 minutes of possession time. It turned the ball over on downs on the game’s first drive that encompassed 65 yards and stalled at the Jefferson County 6. Chipley also lost a fumble at the 12 and missed a 25-yard field goal on the final play of the half.

Chipley tied the game 7-7 on Kobe McCrary’s 3-yard run with 5:15 to play in the second quarter. Ryan McIntyre paced Chipley with 109 yards rushing and a 6-yard score to cap the scoring in the fourth quarter. McCrary added 80 yards rushing.

Jefferson County, which racked up 423 total yards, went ahead 7-0 on Revonte Robinson’s 6-yard run a minute into the second quarter. Jefferson County also sputtered with three turnovers in the first half, including the two interceptions. Alphonso Footman lost a fumble inside the Chipley 20.

Jefferson County won its sixth state championship. Chipley still is seeking a first.

• Jefferson County  0 7 26 14 — 47
• Chipley                    0 7 0 6 — 13
• Second quarter
• JCHS — Robinson 6 run (L.Footman kick), 11:00, 7-0 JCHS
• CHS — McCrary 3 run (Dilmore kick), 5:15, 7-7
• Third quarter
• JCHS — A.Footman 13 run (L.Footman kick), 8:05, 14-7 JCHS
• JCHS — L.Footman 22 run (L.Footman kick), 4:18, 21-7
• JCHS — Smiley 31 pass from L.Footman (kick failed), 3:54, 27-7
• JCHS — Smiley 72 punt return (kick failed), 1:32, 33-7
• Fourth quarter
• JCHS — Smiley 41 pass from L.Footman (L.Footman kick), 9:19, 40-7
• JCHS — A.Footman 20 run (L.Footman kick), 3:05, 47-7
• CHS — McIntrye 6 run (run failed), :23, 47-13