Gadsden City football stars show how far the Titans can go in win over Mae Jemison
Gadsden City football stars once again took over and led it to a 42-13 victory over Mae Jemison that helped Gadsden City clinch the Class 6A, Region 8 title.
Stars TJ Worthy and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. led to the two first half scores for the Titans. Worthy had a 9-yard receiving touchdown and Kirkpatrick added a 90-yard interception return for a score. Kirkpatrick added a receiving touchdown and a punt return while Worthy had a rushing touchdown in the second half.
Kirkpatrick’s teammates are used to watching him, the son of NFL, Alabama and Gadsden City legend Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., make big time returns. Defensive lineman Jerrell Brasher and the Titans enjoy watching it, even if they know how the play will end up.
“It’s good, we all know what he’s going to do with it. He’s that guy,” Brasher said.
Worthy has been a breakout star for the Titans this season. Coming into the matchup with Mae Jemison he had 20 touchdowns, including three games with four touchdowns. Kirkpatrick has been a known star for years, committing to Alabama before the season started. Kirkpatrick has made a habit of producing electrifying returns on defense and special teams, something he showed against Mae Jemison.
The star power on both sides of the ball could be enough to help lead Gadsden City on a deep playoff run, something that will come into focus as they wrap up region play next week. The duo has been on display the whole season, but Worthy has exceeded all expectations so far this season, he credits the experience he’s had with his offensive line, dating back to youth ball.
“Me and my O-line, they my boys. I’ve grown up with them, since I was like six," Worthy said. "We all know each other from then. They been blocking for me and trusting me and I’ve been trusting them.”
With the region locked up, the attention will turn to the playoffs. It’s there that the stars of this Titans squad will need to shine. Beyond Worthy and Kirkpatrick, there’s Luke Waldrop, who won the quarterback competition and had three passing touchdowns in the win. On defense Brasher helps lead the way as he finished with a sack on Friday.
Gadsden City will travel to Lee-Huntsville next week, with a chance to have back-to-back undefeated seasons in the region.
Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Alabama high school football: Gadsden City stars shine bright in win
