Fourth-Ranked Tatum Scores Big in Second + Fourth to Beat Jefferson, 45-19

JEFFERSON -- Class 2A No. 4 Tatum scored 18 points in the second and 21 in the fourth to take a 45-19 victory at Jefferson on Friday night at W.F. Lockett Stadium.

Tatum quarterback J.D. Taylor threw for two scores and went over from a yard out for another, while running backs Devon Boyd and Jaylen Shans combined for 217 rushing yards and two scores (Shans from 65, Boyd from 7). Boyd also caught a touchdown pass.

Tatum's defense, which entered the game allowing 8.6 points per game, picked off Jefferson quarterback Brayden Varnell twice, including Boyd's 34-yard return for a touchdown. Chaston Brooks picked off another in the end zone to end a Jefferson threat.

Jefferson's Terrance Whitaker scored twice on runs of five yards and one yard, while Varnell connected with Devin Hodge from 30 yards out for the Bulldogs' other score.

Tatum (9-0, 4-0) shoots for an undefeated District 9-2A Division I championship Friday when it hosts Harmony. Jefferson (4-5, 1-3) travels to White Oak.