Ailing QB rescues Spartans
Wilson throws four TD passes in second half
WHITE STATION 31, CENTRAL 28
Cedrick Wilson Jr. started Friday’s 6A state quarterfinal game on the sideline. He ended it receiving celebratory hugs — and much heartfelt thanks — from his White Station teammates.
The senior quarterback, who sat out the first half, shook off a bruised thigh to throw four second-half touchdown passes and lift the Spartans to a thrilling 31-28 victory over Central at Crump.
“Cedrick Wilson is a true Spartan in every sense of the word,” said White Station coach Joe Rocconi. “He gave us the spark we needed.”
Star turns: Wilson completed 18 of 21 passes for 209 yards. He connected with Dalvin Foster on a 9-yarder to cut Central’s lead to 14-10 early in the third quarter, then gave his team a 17-14 lead later in the quarter with a 22-yard completion to Eldridge Thompson, who made a great catch on a tipped ball.
“Ced was a little bit limited in what he normally does, but our receivers made some great plays,” Rocconi said.
Turning point: In a game in which it looked as though the team with the ball last would win, Central’s Deddrick Thomas put his team ahead 28-24 with 2:35 to go, scoring on a 1-yard run and then adding the 2-point conversion.
But Wilson made his biggest play, completing a 33-yard pass to the Central 5 with 1:07 remaining in the game and on the next play finding Terry
Wright for the winner with 57 seconds left.
“We knew we would win,” said Thompson. “We knew this was going to be our chance to show what we could do.”
Talking points: Sophomore Burk Williams started at quarterback for White Station and although the Spartans managed just three first-half points — despite starting four drives in Central territory — Rocconi liked what he saw.
“Burk played well,” he said. “We didn’t capitalize on some opportunities in the first half but I thought Burk did a great job and he will continue to in the future.”
Extra points: Although it was a bitter ending, the season was remarkable for Central, which was playing i n t he quarterfinals for the f irst time in school history.
“I can’t say enough for the job coach (Lynord) Crutchfield did with his team,” Rocconi said. “They were well- prepared for us and they really had our number for much of the game.”
Thomas, the Warriors’ star junior quarterback, threw for two scores in addition to his touchdown run, giving him a combined 41 touchdowns this year. He finished with 114 yards rushing and 104 passing.
What’s next: The Spartans (9-4) will hit the road for next Friday’s semifinal game as they will take on Hendersonville. The Commandos advanced with a 36-35 victory over Independence.