GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The Tullahoma Middle School followed the dominant THS performance in the Coffee Pot Game with a dominant performance of their own in the Coffee Cup game. They beat Coffee County Middle 33-0, keeping the Middle School rivalry trophy in Tullahoma.

The Wildcats got off to a strong start. They scored on their opening drive with a 36-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Haiden Brinkley and receiver Jett Damron. The MVP of this game on the Tullahoma side was easily Damron, who played his best game of the season.

The Wildcats’ next touchdown of the game was on another long pass connection between Brinkley and Damron. The pass was 25 yards long and was placed perfectly above Coffee County’s defensive back, to where only #2 for Tullahoma could come down with it. Brinkley early in this contest for TMS, was automatic, as he connected on all five of his throws to start the game, recording 88 passing yards along with the two touchdown passes on the group of throws. His life was made easier in this contest, as the Wildcats’ defense was shutting down the Raiders in every phase of their offensive game.

Runs were not really gaining momentum following a 14-0 deficit for Coffee, so they opted to pass, which floated into harm’s way, into the hands of none other than Damron. He returned this interception for a 70+ yard pick-six.

“Jett Damron is not only an outstanding multi-sport student-athlete, but also a remarkable young man with a bright future ahead. He firmly believes that academics come first, setting an example for his peers both on and off the field. This season marks Jett’s first year playing football, and he has taken to the sport like a natural. His breakout performance in the Coffee Cup game was only a glimpse of what’s to come,” said coach on the TMS staff Jason Arnold regarding Damron.

“Head Coach Steve Berry even gave him the nickname “Hollywood,” because when it’s time to shine, Jett delivers in star fashion. His energy and determination ignited the Wildcats, fueling the entire team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Berry and his dedicated staff, the Tullahoma Middle School Wildcats have developed into a strong, unified team built on hard work and commitment. With leaders like Macc Chapin, Haiden Brinkley, Brody Phillips, Jere Browning, Tre Lee, and Jett Damron, this group has the talent, chemistry, and drive to make a serious run at the CTC championship.”

Damron, in the second half, added another big play to his already outstanding performance, recovering a fumble.

The two other scores in the contest both came on runs. Macc Chapin ran in a one-yard score to close out the first half, and Jeremias Browning ran in an eight-yard sprint in the third. Eighth grader Nathan Mason got snaps at the end of the contest at the RB position, and tried to add to the Wildcats’ running back touchdown total, but some yellow laundry did not allow it. On back-to-back plays with just over a minute and a half left, Mason ran in two 80-yard touchdowns. He cut in and out of traffic on both attempts and then raced ahead Raiders’ defenders down the sideline into the end zone. Even though the plays did not count, due to holding penalties, it was great to see the potential Mason has moving forward in his football career.

Tullahoma’s next game following the big Coffee Cup win will be at Lewisburg Middle on Sept 9.