Northridge's Scarbrough runs for 214 yards, 3 TDs

Sat. September 01, 2012 at 12:28 a.m. | By Reed Robinson

Northridge running back Bo Scarbrough (6) dives over the goal line in front of Bob Jones defender Parris Erskine in the third quarter. Scarbrough scored three touchdowns and rushed for 214 yards on 37 carries in the Jaguars’ 40-30 win. (Photo by Jason Harless)

TUSCALOOSA | The Northridge High School Jaguars came back in the second half to defeat the Bob Jones Patriots, 40-30 on Friday night.

Junior running back Bo Scarbrough had 37 carries for 214 yards with three touchdowns. With many cutback runs, Scarbrough left the Patriots defense without options.

“Bo Scarbrough is the best running back in America. With a running back like that, there really isn’t much left to do,” said Patriots head coach Kevin Rose.

“I just have to thank God and my offensive line for picking it up. We came together as a team. I worked really hard after coming off of an injury and all I can do is thank God for putting me in the right state of mind.” Scarbrough said.

With the help of Scarbrough and quarterback Tanner Cline, the Jaguar offense had a combined total of 316 offensive yards: 97 passing with 219 rushing yards. Junior running back Deondre Rogers also helped the offensive by making a 6-yard run for a touchdown.

Scarbrough did not work alone, however. Senior wide receiver James Cox made crucial game-changing plays on both sides of the field. Cox caught a 20-yard pass from Cline to take the lead at 28-21. Furthermore, Cox made a vital interception at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter that prevented the Patriots from making a comeback. The interception, which ended the Patriot’s momentum, prevented them from scoring for the remainder of the game.

To Smith, Cox is a vital tool in easing the pressure off of Scarbrough. “Cox gives us balance. He has to make those plays. Bo is the horse, and Cox is there to help,” said Northridge coach Mike Smith. “Other players have to step up and make plays like Cox does. Some of them did.”

“With Bo being as good as he is, the team needs to help relieve some of the stress. We are all here to help our team. I knew I had to step up and make those plays,” Cox said.

The Jaguar defense also picked up in the second half, limiting the Patriots to 112 passing yards and minus-7 rushing yards. Along with that, the Jaguars caused two fumbles with the recovery of one, and an interception. Overall, the Jaguars limited the Patriots to nine points in the second half.

“We made great adjustments in the defense and it resulted in keeping the Patriots from making big plays,” Smith said.

Northridge will host Hillcrest next week.