Two Grand: Jahlen Rutherford and James Smith are rushing the Demons towards the ultimate goal

During

the Demons’ first four playoff victories, including Friday’s 52-point

semifinals win over Starrs Mill, one thing has been constant, besides the

winning of course, and that has been the running game. Demons senior James

Smith and junior Jahlen Rutherford have literally and figuratively helped carry

Warner Robins back to the AAAAA state finals for the third consecutive time. For

an offense that is averaging over 30 points per game this postseason there is a

ton of responsibility on the two running backs and like clockwork both have

played their best ball when it has counted the most.

Their

journeys to this point of the season could not have been more different.

Rutherford is a highly recruited and regarded player that played a major part

on the two previous Demons teams that lost in the state finals. He was one of

the best players on the field last year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Smith, having

gotten more playing time and responsibility under first-year head coach Marquis

Westbrook, has gone from a little used reserve to the kind of game-breaking

back that immediately makes an impact upon entering a game. The Demons will be

coming into this third title shot with the most versatile backfield in AAAAA

football if not in the state.

On

Friday both made runs that led to Demons scores. Rutherford, who opened the

game with three consecutive runs down to midfield, was also very effective

catching the ball. Smith scored his first touchdown of the game on a 22-yard

burst that followed two carries for positive yards during that particular

drive.

“The

run game should be a big part of the game come Friday,” said Rutherford.

“Once we get the run game going it’s going to open up the passing

game.”

The

two-headed monster that is Rutherford/Smith is nearing 2,300 yards as a duo.

Rutherford has rushed for a consecutive 1,000 yard season, he currently has

1,290 and Smith is 66 yards away from his first 1,000 yard campaign.

“Being a factor in helping the team get closer to a ring feels

amazing,” said Smith over the weekend. “It feels pretty good to be a

backup and still be that close to 1,000 yards. It has always been the goal but

winning a state championship is the main goal.”

The

Demons and Buford Wolves are scheduled to kickoff at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Georgia State Stadium.

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