A CLOSER LOOK: Kettle Run at James Monroe

GROUP AA, DIVISION 3 SEMIFINALS

KETTLE RUN (11-2) AT JAMES MONROE (11-1)

JAMES MONROE

Sophomore quarterback Jay Scroggins

He started the season as the Yellow Jackets’ third-string quarterback but was pressed into duty because of injuries. Scroggins has led JM to a 7-1 record while passing for 907 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 186 yards and two scores.

KETTLE RUN

Senior running back Josh Tapscott

Former Boston College recruit — he de-committed in June — is half of the Cougars strong running back tandem. Tapscott has rushed for 1,124 yards and 14 touchdowns on 155 carries this season, while junior De Jackson has 1,166 yards and 14 scores on 153 carries.

QUOTE TO NOTE

“I think they’re a better running team this year. I think last year they threw a lot and ran a lot with Tapscott. This year they’re more diversified in terms of their running backs. They’ve got three good ones — [Carlos Vegerano, Tapscott and Jackson]. They all do different things. [Jackson] runs hard inside. Tapscott runs hard outside. Their quarterback is elusive. If anything, we better have our great tackling shoes on because these guys are good.” — James Monroe head coach Rich Serbay on Kettle Run’s vaunted run game

ETC

*This is a rematch of last year’s state semifinals. The Yellow Jackets won 14-7 to advance to the state championship game.

*James Monroe coach Rich Serbay is 29-12 in playoff games. Kettle Run coach Jeff Lloyd is 16-5 in the playoffs.

*The Cougars have rushed for a school record 3,199 yards this season.

*James Monroe is 6-2 all time in state semifinal games.

*Kettle Run opened in 2008. It failed to make the playoffs its first three years but has reached the state semifinals the last two seasons.

*The Cougars have outscored their opponents 222-31 in the first half this season.

–Nathan Warters

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