Braxton Sharp breaks off a long run during action Friday night at home vs. Kingsbury. Photo by Laura Drew Holmes
Considering Brighton had lost three of its last four games, the Cardinals really needed a win Friday night at home vs. Kingsbury to remain in the chase for a playoff berth.
Thanks to an efficient offense and a smothering defense, Brighton got what it needed with a convincing 46-12 Region 8-5A win.
The playoff scenario for Brighton (5-3 overall, 2-2 region), which does not play this Friday, is relatively simple. Munford and Central will finish first and second in some order. If Brighton can beat Dyer County (4-3, 2-2) on Oct. 22 and Southwind (1-5, 1-3) the following week, the Cardinals will finish third. if they split those two, they’ll finish fourth and grab the last playoff spot.
Friday night vs. Kingsbury (2-5, 0-4), Brighton led 14-0 early and 38-6 at the half.
Braxton Sharp had another strong game with 125 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. Quarterback Nick Harvell was efficient, completing all four his pass attempts for 43 yards and also added a pair of TD runs. Ty Stark added 51 yards on three carries and caught a pass for 25 yards.
With four minutes left in the first half Emmanuel Thurman returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown.
The Cardinals ran just 14 plays in the first half and scored on four of them.
Brighton’s second stringers took over in the second half and the result was the same. Backup quarterback Tyler Todd picked up 45 rushing yards on five carries, including an 11-yard touchdown run.
Kingsbury was limited to just two rushing yards. Darrien Lewis led the Brighton defense with 10 tackles.
