Braxton Sharp breaks a long run during Brighton's win at Fayette-Ware Friday night. Photo by Laura Drew Holmes
Considering Brighton compiled 399 rushing yards earlier this season against Munford, Fayette-Ware’s coaches and players had to be aware the Cardinals’ rushing attack was capable of controlling a game.
It’s doubtful, however, they believed Brighton was going to do what it did Friday night in Somerville.
Brighton racked up an incredible 567 rushing yards while beating Fayette-Ware 68-28.
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association does not keep team rushing records, but this was clearly one of the highest totals in Tennessee high school football history.
According to the TSSAA, Memphis South Side had 732 total yards in a 1986 game, which ranks third all-time, with 515 of those yards coming via the rush. Taeton Weink of Stewart County had 572 rushing yards in a 2016 game, which is the individual state record.
Sophomore Braxton Sharp did most of the damage for Brighton (3-5) with 253 yards on 14 carries. He had a pair of 56-yard scoring runs, the first of which came on the game’s first play from scrimmage. He also scored on runs of 60 and 37 yards.
Junior Chris Johnson scored on runs of 67 and 72 yards to finish with 146 yards on four carries and junior quarterback Nick Harvell added 126 yards and a 38-yard TD on 14 carries.
Brighton threw just one pass (There was no need to throw any more.) and Harvell completed it to Bryce Chaco for a 53-yard touchdown.
Fayette-Ware (5-2) put up 440 yards of offense, but it was not nearly enough. Kyle Lowe threw for 230 yards and Atlantis Thomas finished with 88 rushing yards and 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
