Patriot Offense: Homewood Advances to Second Round
Homewood High School defeated Theodore 36-14 in the Class 5A playoffs, capitalizing on a 22-point first-quarter lead.
By Ethan Cooper ·
Homewood High School secured a 36-14 victory over Theodore on Friday night, moving to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Patriots built a substantial early advantage that Theodore could not overcome, despite a late-game effort by the Bobcats. The win extends Homewood's season to 10-1.
The Patriots opened the scoring on their first possession. Chappy Chapleau ran in a touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion put Homewood up 8-0 with 9:12 left in the first quarter. Theodore missed a field goal after recovering a muffed punt. Homewood then extended the lead to 15-0 on a 74-yard pass from Timothy Roshell to Beckham Newell.
Homewood recovered a fumble on the kickoff at the Theodore 18-yard line. Chapleau scored again on the ensuing drive, giving the Patriots a 22-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Freshman Cyn'Mauree Debruce added a 2-yard run late in the second quarter to push the margin to 29-0.
Theodore cut the deficit to 29-7 before halftime on a 20-yard pass from Jadon Strait to Demarcus Beckham. The Bobcats started the second half with an 88-yard touchdown from Strait to Beckham, making the score 29-14. Homewood responded on the next drive. Debruce ran 55 yards to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Roshell, restoring the 22-point lead at 36-14.
Homewood utilized two quarterbacks during the game. Jack Myers completed 8 of 10 passes for 83 yards. Roshell threw for 105 yards on 3 of 6 attempts and added a rushing touchdown. Debruce carried the ball for 95 yards. Newell caught seven passes for 126 yards and a score.
Theodore's Demarcus Beckham recorded 10 receptions for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Strait completed 14 of 25 passes for 233 yards and two scores. Homewood head coach Ben Berguson noted the team must improve special teams execution. He stated, "We have to clean up some on special teams and understand the value of practicing well." Berguson emphasized the need for all 11 players to play together to minimize individual mistakes.
Homewood will host Pike Road in the second round. Pike Road defeated Bessemer City in their opening round match. In another Private Class AA game, John Carroll defeated Randolph 28-7. John Carroll will travel to No. 1 Briarwood for their next contest.
