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Smyrna rolls past La Vergne 33-14, remains tied for second in region




Smyrna quarterback Tyler Lansden rolls out to throw a pass against La Vergne. ANDREW DAVIS

Smyrna quarterback Tyler Lansden rolls out to throw a pass against La Vergne. ANDREW DAVIS

LA VERNGE — Smyrna’s Bulldogs came into hostile territory and continued their dominance over La Vergne with a 33-14 victory on Thursday night.

Both teams came into the contest desperate for a win to ensure that their team would be in the playoffs.

Smyrna’s stingy defense and run game once again imposed their will on La Vergne, forcing numerous turnovers on downs and over 300 yards rushing on the ground.

Senior running back Mikel Hartfield had over 108 yards and touchdown en route to a Bulldogs victory and commended his team’s energy.

“We feed off big plays, and when our O-line blocks the way they did they get hyped up,” Hartfield said. “They keep going and we keep going and it goes from there.”

Smyrna coach Matt Williams was obviously pleased with his team’s output after enduring two straight losses;

“It’s very important for our kids.” Williams said. “Our kids work extremely hard and their demeanor has never changed. They’ve kept good practice habits and done everything we as a coaching staff have asked them to do. Getting to see the smiles on their faces that we got back in the win column was great.”

Smyrna tailback Mikel Hatfield rushed for over 100 yards agianst La Vernge. ANDREW DAVIS

Smyrna tailback Mikel Hatfield rushed for over 100 yards agianst La Vernge. ANDREW DAVIS

The Wolverines struggled to find any rhythm on offense and missed opportunities to close the gap in the second half.

La Vergne head coach Stanton Stevens credited Smyrna’s defense for its effort.

“They just stopped us.” Stevens said. “They were better than I thought. They were better up front on both sides of the ball. We couldn’t get anything done consistently because they were better than us up front.”

La Vergne scored on its second possession to take a 7-6 lead early in the first quarter, but would not score on another offensive drive for the game. The Wolverines missed a chance of scoring with Isaiah Banner dropping a touchdown pass that would’ve cut the Bulldogs lead to 12.

Smyrna improved to 5-4 on the season and will have a huge game against cross town rival Stewarts Creek for second place in the region.  

“It’s a huge game,” Williams said. “It’s essentially a playoff game and for second in the district, so our kids will definitely be excited for it.”  

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