DSHS routs Scotlandville

• By CHARLES SALZER
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 7, 2009

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DENHAM SPRINGS — At times Denham Springs dominated play, and there were times it showed a sloppy side, but by game’s end the Yellow Jackets claimed a convincing 35-8 District 5-5A win over Scotlandville on Friday.

Denham Springs (8-2, 4-2) got two touchdowns from Michael Early, one on an inteception return and another on a kickoff runback. The Jackets also had five turnovers in the game, but none of them seemed to do more than momentarily slow them down.

Scotlandville (2-8, 1-4), which didn’t pick up a first down until late in the first half, had more success moving the ball in the second half. But the Hornets had a 28-0 hole to climb out of in the third quarter, when Nick Norman began to pick up most of his game-high 150 yards rushing.

Romel Williams topped Denham Springs with 95 yards rushing on just seven carries.

“The defense was dominating and really controlled the tempo,” Denham Springs coach Dru Nettles said. “We had some big plays in special teams, they gave us great field position all night. On offense, when we held on to the ball we ran it well.”

Denham Springs fumbled five times and lost four, which should provide plenty of incentive for the Jackets to practice hard as they prepare for the opening round of the state playoffs.

“You never want to go into a game and fumble five times,” Nettles said. “I think it was four different guys so everybody took their turn dropping it on the ground. We haven’t had that many all year.”

Early’s two scores added to an impressive season total in which he has recorded six touchdowns — two each on interception, kickoff and punt returns.

Scotlandville ended up outgaining Denham Springs thanks to several long second-half runs, but it was too little too late.

“We took too long to get started,” Scotlandville coach Donald Clark said. “We started thinking we could move the ball (in the second half). I think we kicked it in gear a little bit, but these guys are young. I’m proud of the effort they gave.”

The first half was a showcase of good and bad for Denham Springs. The Yellow Jackets led 19-0 at the break, but there were plenty of mistakes.

There were six penalties for 57 yards, and there were four turnovers including three fumbles and an interception that stopped a Jacket drive inside the SHS 20.

The key to the half was the Denham Springs defense, which allowed just two first downs and 60 yards in the half. Most of Scotlandville’s totals came on 37-yard pass play just before halftime.