Sandrock’s nabs helped put Saints out front Friday

Published 12:01 am Monday, October 22, 2012

NATCHEZ — While it was senior lineman Sky Logan that stole the show at the end of Trinity Episcopal’s 20-14 win against Columbia Academy Friday night, a junior also had several standout plays.

It would be easy to argue that junior defensive back Jacob Sandrock’s two interceptions were just as big as Logan batting down Columbia quarterback Garrett Magee’s pass at the end that secured the win.

With 2:39 left in the second quarter, the Saints led 13-7 but were trying to fend off Columbia inside its own 5-yard line. That’s when Sandrock picked off one of Magee’s passes, keeping the Saints ahead at the half.

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But Sandrock wasn’t done. After Trinity turned the ball over on a fumble, Columbia threatened to score again, only to see Sandrock intercept yet another Magee pass with 28 seconds left.

“That saved us,” Trinity head coach Josh Loy said. “He bailed us out two times in the red zone. He played very well (Friday). I’m really proud of that kid. He’s one of our hardest workers.”

Sandrock credited his coaches for putting him in a good position to help his team out.

“On the first one, the receiver lined up and changed his stance,” Sandrock said. “Coach gave me the right call and put me in position to make the pick.

“On the second one, I had seen them run that route on film. When I saw the outside receiver go in and the inside receiver go out, I just got in the middle.”

Magee didn’t attempt a pass again the entire second half. Sandrock said he was happy to help the team get a win on senior night.

“This is huge for us,” Sandrock said after the game. “This gives us a playoff spot on senior night, and that means a lot to these seniors.”

Adams County Christian School

Friday was a night for seniors at Adams County Christian School, but with so many of them on the sidelines with injuries, several underclassmen were forced to step up and play.

Freshman defensive back Sam Butler was one of those players that came in and played a key role for the defense in the 35-19 loss to Brookhaven Academy.

Butler finished the game with five tackles, and head coach David King said he has done a good job after being put in a tough situation.

“He has been thrown in there with the injuries we’ve had in the secondary, and he’s done a good job,” King said. “He and (eighth-grader) Richard Conn have played well.”

This season has been tough for the departing Rebel seniors, and King said he hates to see the senior class have a tough year, but the emergence of the younger players has been key to the development of the program.

“Anytime you have eight and ninth graders playing MAIS-AA football it’s going to be tough and shaky at first, but it helps for the future.”

The Rebels will take the field for the final time this season when they travel to Columbia Academy.