Thomas Dale slams Dinwiddie

On a miserable night for football, Demetrick Jackson produced one of the best rushing nights in Thomas Dale history.

Jackson carried the ball 37 times for 290 yards and two touchdowns last night in the cold, steady mist that engulfed Thomas Dale's Ed Karpus Field and led the Knights to a 35-0 whitewashing of Dinwiddie.

Jackson's partner in the rout was a Knights' defense that intercepted two passes and recovered four fumbles.

The Knights, ranked No. 9 in The Times-Dispatch Top 10, remained tied for the lead in the Central District with top-ranked Meadowbrook at 3-0. Thomas Dale is 4-2 overall. Eighth-ranked Dinwiddie (1-2, 3-3) was smoked for the second week in a row, but the Generals are still in the Division 5 playoff hunt.

Jackson is a 5-10, 170-pound junior. His performance last night was reminiscent of great Dale backs such as Rudi Johnson, Ken Oxendine, Henry Jefferson and William Henderson.

"The offense just dominated," Thomas Dale coach Vic Williams said. "[Demetrick] kept wanting the ball. He was hot so I let him go."

Jackson had 148 yards at halftime, but running mate Mike Edmunds (9-yard run) and quarterback Demitrius Campbell (1-yard sneak) scored the Knights' touchdowns.

Last night was the third time this season the Knights led 14-0 at halftime against a ranked opponent. Varina and L.C. Bird came back to beat Dale in the second half.

Dinwiddie was headed toward the end zone early in the second quarter when Dale's Ben Saunders intercepted a pass at the goal line. Campbell's sneak concluded a 15-play, 82-yard drive. Saunders also had a fumble recovery in the third quarter.

"We did control the ball offensively, but defense was the key tonight. We made some great plays," Williams said.

Following a pass interception by Aerik Green late in the third quarter, Jackson finished off an 81-yard drive with a 40-yard run for a touchdown early in the fourth. Edmunds scored again after Dale's Brian Richardson recovered a fumble, and Jackson capped the scoring with a 2-yard run.

"My linemen did what they needed to do and I did what I had to do," Jackson said. "It felt good, but I just wanted to get that 'W.'"

Contact Arthur Utley

Dinwiddie ------------------------- 0 0 0 0 - 0
Thomas Dale ------------------------- 7 7 0 21 - 35

TD - Edmunds 9 run (Prevost kick)

TD - Campbell 1 run (Prevost kick)

TD - Jackson 40 run (Prevost kick)

TD - Edmunds 1 run (Prevost kick)

TD - Jackson 2 run (Prevost kick)
RUSHING

Dinwiddie: Jackson 6 carries 29 yards; Allen 3-6, Prentiss 2-2, Hall 7-minus 16. Thomas Dale: Jackson 37-290, Edmunds 9-41, Campbell 4-4, Green 1-11, Richardson 1-2.
PASSING

Dinwiddie : Hall 11 completions 24 attempts 217 yards 2 interceptions. Thomas Dale: Campbell 1-6-5-1.
RECEIVING

Dinwiddie : Gardner 4 receptions 96 yards, Jackson 3-70, Allen 2-35, Prentiss 1-13, Gibbs 1-3. Thomas Dale: Green 1-6.