Glynn Academy senior Jo-nathan Alford had a performance he will never forget Friday night as the running back led the Terrors to a win over Jenkins at Garden City Stadium.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound speedster rushed for a career-high 340 yards on 19 carries — scoring six total touchdowns as the playoff-bound Terrors dominated in their Region 3-AAAAA finale by beating the Warriors 70-26.
Alford, who is receiving interest from schools such as Georgia Southern, Appalachian State and Indiana, scored on runs of 3, 69, 80, 10 and 87 yards. He also caught one pass for an 81-yard touchdown.
“I got some great blocking tonight and it felt like I was just sprinting out there,” Alford said. “I’m looking forward to the playoffs. I think some good things are going to happen.”
Glynn Academy (7-3, 5-2 in Region 3-AAAAA), led 35-12 at the half. Jenkins (5-5, 3-4) cut the lead to 35-20 on its first drive after intermission.
But Alford picked up 202 yards rushing, along with the 81-yard scoring pass from Preston Delaney, as the Terrors poured it on during a 28-point third quarter.
It was the final game for several standout seniors from Jenkins, including the versatile Paris Baker, defensive standout Justin Robinson and Sincere Trinidad.
Baker scored three touchdowns — one on a 31-yard run from the Wildcat formation and twice on passes from junior quarterback Brenden Carter.
On the second scoring pass, Baker ran a corner route and made a spectacular diving catch for a 10-yard touchdown.
“This is my last high school game, but I’m not done with football,” Baker said. “I want to play in college. This is tough as a senior. My teammates and coaches have meant a lot to me.”
Jenkins has a lot of players coming back at skill positions, including Carter, who showed flashes of brilliance with his throwing arm and touch.
Sophomore Juan De La Rosa had four catches for 70 yards, and freshman running back Arkeem Byrd has a lot of potential.
“We’ve got a lot of young kids coming back, including three of five starters on the offensive line,” Jenkins coach Tim Adams said. “But we’re going to miss guys like Baker and Robinson and all the seniors. They have meant a lot to our program.”
Glynn 21 14 28 7 — 70
Jenkins 6 6 14 0 — 26
GA—Jo-nathan Alford 3 run (Matthew Delaney kick)
GA—Carl Mack 37 pass from Preston Delaney (Delaney kick)
J—Paris Baker 5 pass from Brenden Carter (kick failed)
GA—Alford 69 run (M. Delaney kick)
GA—Zach Lamper 3 run (M. Delaney kick)
GA—Quamii Haywood 17 run (M. Delaney kick)
J—Baker 10 pass from Carter (run failed)
J—Carter 8 run (Daniel Wade pass from Carter)
GA—Alford 81 pass from P. Delaney (M. Delaney kick)
GA—Alford 80 run (M. Delaney kick)
GA—Alford 10 run (M. Delaney kick)
J—Baker 31 run (kick failed)
GA—Alford 87 run (M. Delaney kick)
GA—Lashawn Clark 87 run (M. Delaney kick)