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Sycamore flies high on senior night




Tyler Niebel (5) gets a touchdown reception for Sycamore. KEN HERNDON

Tyler Niebel (5) gets a touchdown reception for Sycamore. KEN HERNDON

PLEASANT VIEW—With a first-round home playoff game on the line, Sycamore saved its best performance of the year for last as the offense exploded for nearly 500 yards of total offense in a 47-22 victory over Camden Central on senior night.

“Probably our best performance of the year coming off of a good performance last week. I’m excited about what’s going on right now. We’ve played a lot of tough opponents this year, and I think that prepared us for what’s going on right now. I’m looking forward to what we can do in the playoffs,” said Sycamore head coach Justin Robison.

Tyler Niebel had a night to remember with 238 yards of total offense – 184 rushing – and six touchdowns, four rushing and two receiving, to go along with an interception in an all-around effort for the Spartans. 

“Obviously Tyler Niebel is going to get his. He’s a great football player. I’m happy for him and the offensive line coming out and performing really well,” said Robison.

Sycamore's Tyler Niebel (5) sets his eye on the end zone. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Tyler Niebel (5) sets his eye on the end zone. KEN HERNDON

Niebel wasn’t the only standout as Grady McPherson went 12-for-15 through the air for 170 yards passing and three touchdowns. McPherson added 90 yards on the ground, excluding what would have been a 95-yard highlight-reel touchdown run that was called back. 

“Grady’s our quarterback, so we go as he goes. We’ve been working really hard with him, and he’s been working really hard, so credit goes to him. We told him that the passing game was b open this week, and if you just make the throws, you’re going to have a big game. He came out and had a phenomenal game, both running and throwing,” said Robison.

Brennan Smith led the Lions offensively with 119 yards rushing and a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Hooten. Darius Moore and Jason Porter added rushing touchdowns. The War Eagles defense forced three turnovers in the game, including two fumbles. Offensively, Sycamore didn’t have a single punt attempt as it scored on seven of 10 possessions.

Sycamore’s cheerleaders entertain the fans. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s cheerleaders entertain the fans. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore will play host to East Nashville in the first round of the TSSAA Class 3A playoffs, while Camden Central will travel to take on Stratford. Next week’s game will mark the first time the War Eagles played host to a playoff game since 2001 when they advanced to a state quarterfinal.

Sycamore seniors line up for the coin toss. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore seniors line up for the coin toss. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Dakota Dodd (6) races off the field after a Camden fumble at the goal line. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Dakota Dodd (6) races off the field after a Camden fumble at the goal line. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore's defense shuts down Camden. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s defense shuts down Camden. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Austin Carney (23) brings down a Camden rusher. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Austin Carney (23) brings down a Camden rusher. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Nolan Hooker (7) goes on a long run out of the end zone. KEN HERNDON

Sycamore’s Nolan Hooker (7) goes on a long run out of the end zone. KEN HERNDON

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