REFORM, Ala. — Perfection was in question, but only for a moment.
Two Pickens County Tornadoes weren’t ready to see their perfect season end.
Quarterback Devonte Simon and running back Jemarcus Brown ravaged the Gaylesville Trojans on their way to a 36-13 victory in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletics Association Class 1A playoffs.
“It all starts up front, but Devonte and Jemarcus, that’s what they do for us,” said Pickens County coach Patrick Plott, whose team improved to 11-0.
Simon and Brown ripped apart Gaylesville (6-5), leaving defenders lagging behind with hands on their hips. They needed just 23 carries to pile up 333 yards and four touchdowns.
Simon and Brown went back and forth all night, seemingly trying to outperform the other. It began in the first quarter when Simon broke a 50-yard run into Gaylesville territory. On the next play, Brown burst free for a 25-yard run. Three plays later, Simon finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.
After Gaylesville took a 7-6 early in the second quarter, Simon and Brown elevated their play to the next level. On the first play of the ensuing Pickens County drive, Simon lofted a screen pass to Brown on the left side. With blockers out front, Brown went 43 yards down the home sideline for a touchdown to give the Tornadoes the lead.
“We started off a little slow. We were playing sloppy,” Simon said. “But coach got the game plan rolling and we started to execute in the second quarter.”
Seniors Simon and Brown were at it again on the next drive. Brown started things with an 18-yard catch. Simon followed with a 17-yard scamper. A few plays later, Brown scored on a 19-yard run to give Pickens County a 22-7 lead.
Not to be outdone, Simon answered. With time winding down in the first half and Pickens County needing more than 30 yards for a first down, Simon electrified the crowd on a 44-yard touchdown run, changing directions on a dime and crossing the width of the field to avoid tacklers. Time ran out in the second quarter as Simon scored to help make it 30-7.
Pickens County went back to work on the first play of the second half. This time, however, Simon wasn’t going to give his running back a chance to out duel him. The quarterback took off on an option keeper on first down from his 10-yard line and streaked down the sideline for a back-breaking score.
“We ran a option play, and I was reading the outside linebacker,” Simon said. “He broke on Brown because he’s such a good runner. You have to respect him. That left it open so I could take it up the seam and score.”
Simon finished with 188 yard rushing and three touchdowns on just nine carries. He added 187 yards and another score passing.
When asked about his performance, Simon looked back on an injury-plagued history and is grateful for an opportunity.
“I’m glad I’m back healthy,” Simon said. “I’m just out here playing ball and having fun.”
Brown finished just shy of matching his teammate, rushing for 145 yards on 14 carries. He added 75 yards and a touchdown receiving.
Simon and Brown helped Pickens County overcome penalties and mental errors, especially late in the game. On one drive in the second half, Pickens County had 65 yards in penalties.
“We’ve got to cut out all the mental mistakes,” Plott said. “At this point, everybody’s good. Everybody can win on any Friday night. Going in next week, we know we’ve got to come in and work and get better. We’ve got to be mentally prepared.”
Pickens County will try to keep its unbeaten season alive next week when it plays host to Addison.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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