Jacksonville, AL – Handley running back enjoys second-best rushing day in AHSAA history, goes for 476 yards in Tigers’ 54-41 shootout with Jacksonville
By Al Muskewitz
Even the top coaches in the SEC know if Handley running back Jay Haynes gets a crease he can run a long way. Jacksonville saw that first-hand Friday night as Haynes erupted for one of the best single-game rushing performances in state history. Haynes rushed for 476 yards and five long touchdowns on 30 carries and accounted for more than 500 yards of offense as the second-ranked Tigers outgunned the fourth-ranked Golden Eagles 54-41 to kick off their Class 4A Region 4 schedule.
It was a night for offense. In addition to the 95 points, the teams combined for 1,248 yards of offense, 48 first downs and 14 touchdowns. Ten of the offensive touchdowns covered at least 30 yards. Haynes’ 476 yards was the second-best single game rushing mark in state history, and a lot of it was after contact. It was 55 yards shy of the all-time single-game mark set by Parrish’s Tony Dixon in 2003. Haynes also caught a pass for 29 yards late in the second quarter giving him 505 total yards.
He had almost as many yards rushing as Jacksonville had total yards in the game. His five touchdown runs alone totaled 322 yards — 86, 58, 52, 72, 54. He had more yards in the first half (270) than he had in the Tigers’ first two games combined (243).
“I can’t believe it; it was a great night, great night,” Haynes said after giving props to his teammates for blocking so well. “It feels good to know you’re a good player. My father (Timothy Haynes) was a good running back himself; he played at Wadley. His genes helped me out a lot.”
At various times it reminded Handley coach Larry Strain of a game Alexandria’s Mac Campbell had against the Tigers during his first stint there as an assistant. At times it reminded Jacksonville coach Clint Smith of his own No. 4 a few years back, Ron Wiggins. Yet for all the yardage Haynes gained in the game, it was a two-touchdown game in the fourth quarter and that’s why he stayed in as long as he did. It wasn’t about chasing any state record as far as Strain was concerned, it was trying to finally get control of a game he knew had region championship implications. [*** read more]
