Getting a surprise soaking didn’t bother Miller Grove coach Melvin Brown, particularly on Friday.
Brown, the first-year head coach for the Wolverines, directed his team to a 34-27 win over rival Stephenson, the No. 7 team in Class 4A, at Hallford Stadium. It was only the second time Miller Grove has beaten Stephenson – the last was 2012 -- and it was particularly sweet for Brown, who was an assistant coach for the Jaguars for 17 seasons.
“This is my first year at Miller Grove and it’s awesome, for the community and for the kids that have worked so hard,” said Brown, his clothes soaked and drops of water glistening in his beard.
The Miller Grove defense was dialed in all night. The Wolverines limited Stephenson to only 52 rushing yards and had 10 tackles that resulted in a loss. The defense intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown.
“That’s the way our defense has been,” Brown said. “We’re going to attack, we’re going to use our speed, we’re going to get physical, we’re going to fly around and we’re going to cause turnovers. We caused three turnovers. We’re going to live and die with it.”
The Wolverines (5-2, 2-1 Region 6-4) were led offensively by Jaydon Brown, a slippery senior who ran for 171 yards and scored two touchdowns. Miller Grove only threw six passes.
Stephenson (5-1, 1-1) was led by quarterback Marte Barton, who completed 16 of 31 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, but was intercepted twice and sacked four times.
“Our plan was to attack him,” Brown said. “He’s a great young quarterback and he will be awesome for them. But we wanted to attack and keep attacking him and forcing him to do things that he’s not comfortable with. That’s how we got the turnovers.
Miller Grove scored on its first possession when Brown scored on a 27-yard run, but Stephenson answered on Amir Amerson’s 84-yard kickoff return.
Stephenson took the lead after Dezmond Buchanan intercepted a pass off a tipped ball and the Jaguars overcame a holding penalty to score on a 20-yard pass from Barton to Cordell Andrews. It was 14-14 at halftime. Andrews had seven catches for 64 yards.
Miller Grove tied the game on Jakobe Presley’s 26-yard reverse and took a 21-14 lead after Brown returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown.
The Wolverines forced another turnover to set up their next score. Jean Cherelus caused a fumble and Kevin Nash recovered at the 25. Six plays later Brown scored on a 1-yard run for a 28-14 lead.
Miller Grove appeared to have the game in hand when Cayman Spalding intercepted a pass and returned it for a 52-yard touchdown and a 34-14 lead.
But Stephenson responded with a long touchdown drive, which was finished by Devin Ingram’s 42-yard run.
The Jags recovered an onside kick – Jeremiah Aubert came up with it -- but couldn’t take advantage and saw that opportunity vanish on Spalding’s second pick. Miller Grove gave it up when Brown fumbled on extra-effort and Rahim Diarrassouba recovered. That led to a quick Stephenson score, which finished on Barton’s 1-yard toss to Diarrassouba, which cut the lead to 34-27.
Stephenson then recovered its second onside kick of the night, with Cordell Andrews grabbing it on the sideline. The Jags turned it over on downs at the 43, but was able to work the clock at have one last shot with 42 seconds left. The game wasn’t over until a 29-yard pass was knocked down in the end zone was the horn sounded.
“We just have to learn how to finish a game,” Brown said. “Once we figure that out we’re going to be OK.”
About the Author
