The last time Jefferson defeated Armwood, Matt Glavich was the quarterback and passed for 209 yards, 9 of 16 and 3 TDs. WR Andre Caldwell had 3 catches for 116 yards and a TD plus had 2 carries for 77 yards and a TD. RB Josh Balloon had 14 carries for 63 yards and 3 TDs.

That was back in 2001. Since then, Jefferson has been on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Prior to 2001, the series was tied at 4 games a piece. The 2001 win put Jefferson over top 5-4. After 2001, Armwood rattled off nine straight wins over the Dragons including one playoff win in 2006. Jefferson was awarded a forfeit win last season making the complete series Armwood 12 Jefferson 6.

This year, Jefferson will travel to Armwood a big underdog. JOE PINKO predicts Armwood to win by 32 points over Jefferson. Jefferson enters the class 6A match up 1-2, while Armwood is 3-1. Only loss coming to class 3A defending State Champions, American Heritage-Delray.

By the numbers, Jefferson has the advantage. They are producing better passing, rushing and total offensive yards than Armwood. However, the Hawks have been playing suffocating defense. They have allowed 36 points in four games. All 36 coming in their loss to American Heritage. That’s three shutouts in four games for the Hawks defense. Caylon Holloway is averaging 9o rushing yards per game and QB Darryl Richardson has averaged 187 passing yards per game.

What must Jefferson due to win?
1 Keep QB Deiondre Porter off the ground – If the Armwood defense starts to smell blood, they will attack like a shark infested feeding frenzy. The offensive line and running backs must protect both Jefferson QBs. Porter is averaging 249 yards passing a game. If he starts to get knocked around by the Hawk defensive pressure, it could be a long night for the Dragons.

2 Consistently run Shaq Speights – As tough as Armwood is against the run, Jefferson must keep jabbing at the Hawks defense with a healthy dose of Shaq Speights. Keep the defense honest. He may not end the night with a bunch of yards, but at least, the defense can’t just rush 3 or 4 and drop 7 or 8 into coverage, making life harder for the Jefferson QBs.

3 Don’t get fancy on offense – Jefferson may get down in points sometime during the game, but they must stick with their game plan. Don’t get fancy and start doing all kinds of crazy stuff. Do what the Dragons do best.

4 Limit the mistakes – The Hawks are one of the best teams when it comes to capitalizing off of opponents’ mistakes and turnovers. Simple – Don’t make mistakes and don’t turn the ball over.

Armwood leads the all-time series 12-6 including 1 win in the playoffs in 2006. Here is the series since 2000.

2000 DNP
2001 63-0 Jefferson
2002 24-0 Armwood
2003 35-14 Armwood
2004 54-7 Armwood
2005 28-9 Armwood
2006 13-6 Armwood
2006 22-21 Armwood (playoffs)
2007 26-9 Armwood
2008 41-0 Armwood
2009 DNP
2010 DNP
2011 20-0 Armwood***(win awarded to Jefferson via forfeit)