Tucker Spring Game Provides Sneak Peak and Relief

After a spring of upheaval, the Tucker Tigers enjoyed a return to normalcy while providing a sneak peek at the 2012 in Saturday’s Maroon and White Game.

“It’s amazing, getting back on the football field,” said rising senior quarterback Juwaan Williams.

The atmosphere at Fitzgerald Field was festive as players, parents, students and alumni filed in for the annual exhibition and carnival. The carnival activities behind the stands included face painting, a bounce castle, and a silent auction. The biggest draw was the “dunk your favorite player” tank, where graduating senior and 2011 standout Jordan Landry could be found soaking wet and all smiles before the game.

The sunny, clear weather was perfect for a carnival, but a little warm for football.

The game itself was dominated by Williams’ maroon team, resulting in a 20-0 final. Williams went 4-4 for 64 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another touchdown in the first half. He finished 4-5.

“Both sides were represented very well,” said Williams. He felt that while the talent was divided evenly, the greater experience of the maroon players allowed them to play through fatigue and convert when it counted.

Tucker alumni in attendance were recognized at the 50-yard line between the third and fourth quarters.

The game provided a relief for everyone in the Tucker football program following a rocky offseason. After winning his second state title with the Tigers, former coach Franklin Stephens announced in March that he would vacate his position to coach in Lamar County. After a brief search for Stephens’ replacement, Tucker thought they had found their man in , who coached in Camden County with Stephens. A contract issue led to Love’s quick departure from the program, leaving the Tigers to scramble for another head coach.

Tucker quickly called upon former assistant , who left Stockbridge after one season as head coach in favor of his alma mater. Lamar coached at Tucker for seven years prior to his stint at Stockbridge, including defensive coordinator and head coaching duties. Lamar graduated from Tucker in the class of 1999.

“Everything’s looking good,” said Lamar. “The guys are working hard.” He said he would like to see the offense execute better, but added, “In spring, defense is always going to be ahead.”

Indeed, defense dominated most of the game, including a third quarter that saw neither offense gain a first down.

Rising junior Dallas Rivers, playing for the white team, played a significant number of snaps on defense in addition to his usual tailback position. Rivers recorded three tackles for loss during the second half.

“It’s a transition,” said Rivers of playing both sides of the ball, but added, “It felt good.”

Several other players played both ways. Dominick Sanders, Solomon Jackson, Detric Dukes and Kirk Tucker all made big contributions on both offense and defense.

Kirk Tucker hauled in the longest reception of the day, a 40-yard running catch on a Williams pass. Tucker, who also recorded a third quarter tackle for loss, looks poised to have a breakout year.

“He’s hungry,” said father Kirk, Sr.

“My goal is to come together as a team and get back to the dome,” said Tucker.

Both offenses sputtered at times but showed promise. Williams made the difference. At the end of a scoreless first quarter, Williams’ maroon team began a drive that ate up much of the second period. Williams completed four consecutive passes, ending in a 5-yard completion to Dukes for a touchdown. White team’s Quentin Woodard answered with a solid run for first down.

After a Joseph Proby sack and an added-on penalty by Sanders, Blair Lampkin recovered a fumble to give Maroon a short field. Williams ran in the score just before the half. Lampkin added a 2-point conversion. Elijah Sullivan capped the scoring with a long fourth-quarter rushing touchdown.

Maroon’s Austin Benton got the crowd into the game early with a big open field hit. Dukes added a big hit of his own in the second half.

Williams and new center Ian Rigby had trouble with a few snaps but did not turn the ball over.

Coaches, players, families and fans enjoyed the continued festivities and concessions following the game.

For updates throughout the summer and football season, follow Alan Simpson on Twitter @TuckerSportsGuy or like him on Facebook.