TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Miles has known all season that the road to a SIAC Western Division title goes through Tuskegee, Ala. But Thursday night, the Golden Bears had one final stop to make before reaching their final destination.
By the time Miles (5-4, 4-0 SIAC West) wrapped up its 37-7 rout of Stillman (3-5, 1-4), the offense had racked up 545 total yards, the defense had forced three turnovers and recorded seven sacks, and the team could finally turn its attention towards the rival Golden Tigers, who have stood in the way of a trip to the conference title game the last two seasons.
"They were the team picked to win (the division) by a vote of our peers, so there's no pressure on us," said head coach Reginald Ruffin. "They're a good football team with history and tradition so our kids have to get ready to play."
For a team with an eye on what's next, the Golden Bears certainly paid attention to dominating on the field against the Tigers. Behind quarterback David Whipple, the offense – which has struggled for most of the season – put on its best show thus far and it didn't take long to get started.
Whipple scored on a 7-yard run on the game's opening drive, tossed a 21-yard scoring pass to Jordan Walker on the next possession, then got a 30-yard field goal from Nick Christiansen (one of three on the game, including a 51-yarder) to lead 17-0 before the end of the first quarter. When Ger'Kerry Jackson (66 rushing yards) closed out an 8-play, 99-yard drive late in the second quarter with a 17-yard touchdown run, the Golden Bears lead 24-7.
For a team that has had trouble putting together a full effort each game, Miles looked ready to roll all night.
"Our guys came out fast, we stalled a little bit, but then we came out, controlled the ball in the second half, and the defense didn't give up the big plays like we did in the first half," Ruffin said. "Overall, I'm proud of our effort."
Whipple, who is in his third incarnation as Miles' starting quarterback this season, was outstanding. He was 18-of-32 passing for 229 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 119 yards and another score. His second touchdown pass was again to Walker (five catches, 91 yards, 2 TD), this one from 23 yards out, to give Miles a 34-7 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter.
"We're starting to understand the offense a little bit more," Whipple said. "We're also understanding the defenses, where the weak spots are and hitting them a little more."
Kickoff at Tuskegee next Saturday is scheduled for 1 p.m. and Ruffin said his team will be ready to go.
"It's been 365 days that we've been waiting for it so now, we get the opportunity."
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