M.L. King 24, Tucker 17
In the end, the arm of Monquavious Johnson was too much.
The senior threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns to lead Class AAAAA No. 2 M.L. King to a 24-17 win over No. 5 Tucker.
The victory clinches the Region 6 title for M.L. King (9-0, 8-0). It’s the Lions’ third consecutive region championship.
The Lions led by just a touchdown late in the third quarter, with Johnson scrambling behind the line and looking downfield.
Suddenly, Romello Shumake broke deep, and Johnson slung it toward the end zone, connecting with the junior for his only catch of the game, and it proved to be the difference.
It was Johnson’s third touchdown strike of the evening, and his second of 42-plus yards. The first of those went to Demarquis Polite-Bray, who finished with five catches for 77 yards and two scores.
On the next Tucker possession, it appeared the Tigers (7-2, 6-2) might go quietly after MLK took a two-touchdown lead.
Tucker was facing a second-and-22 on its own 34-yard line, with quarterback Juwaan Williams facing pressure up the middle. He stood his ground and threw the ball up for grabs to the MLK 21, where Kazim Aminu wrestled it away from a Lions defender to put the Tigers into scoring position.
It just took one play for Williams to take advantage, hitting Dallas Rivers for the touchdown, and it was suddenly back to a one-score game with 53 seconds left in the third quarter.
But Tucker got just one fourth-quarter possession, and MLK was able to run out the final 4:37 when the Tigers handed the ball back to them on downs.
The first half was dominated by the offenses, as both teams had long scoring drives early to set the tone.
M.L. King started it off with a 12-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a 32-yard field goal. Tucker answered with its own 13-play march, capped off by a Juwaan Williams touchdown run that put the Tigers in front.
The teams traded scores for much of the first half, en route to a 10-10 tie. But they had very different ways of getting there offensively.
While the Lions made their hay through the air – 126 passing vs. 5 rushing – Tucker was just the opposite, amassing 88 of its 102 total yards on the ground.
Tucker senior lineman Ian Rigby was carted off the field with an injury in the third quarter, after lying on the turf for 15 minutes. No more was known on his condition at press time.
T 0 10 7 0 – 17
M 3 7 14 0 – 24
M – Presley Bray 32 FG
T – Juwaan Williams 14 run (Steven Duffy kick)
M – Demarquis Polite-Bray 42 pass from Monquavious Johnson (Bray kick)
T – Duffy 33 FG
M – Polite-Bray 5 pass from Johnson (Bray kick)
M – Romello Shumake 43 pass from Johnson (Bray kick)
T – Dallas Rivers 21 pass from Williams (Duffy kick)
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170 comments Add your comment
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
12:39 am
@ Dboy Scott, Stephenson has lead the state of Georgia for the last 4 years with the most D1 signees and lead the nation the last 2 years…
Dboy Scott
November 3rd, 2012
12:41 am
@jab boooo. Y’all didn’t know about competing wit those teams that’s why y’all stated down right??? Exactly
Spectator
November 3rd, 2012
12:41 am
@dboy scott you are funny…Well grown man, act like it…you the only one on here throwing rude comments…take ya loss with class, instead you showing your sensative side..
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
12:41 am
Tucker tigers Eat your crow & go to bed, I’m out’ ‘PEACE!”
FBfan
November 3rd, 2012
12:43 am
Congrats to MLK on the region and good luck in the playoff to the top four teams. I know 99% of the mouth flapping on this forum is harmless, but people, it’s that other 1% that makes me wonder.
Was at the game – Tucker had chances as did MLK. These young men played their butts off on both teams, but in the end there is only one winner. I am sure their effort was not to please anyone on this post.
I’d take any one of the top 4 teams in this region and they could be competitive in 6A and I can assure you they will do just fine in playoffs.
I agree with supporting your team as a loud and proud fan, but be respectful, otherwise what kind of message are we sending these young men.
Spectator
November 3rd, 2012
12:47 am
Well said FBfan..good luck to the region…I think all the teams will do well..Good luck the rest of the season to MLK, Stephenson, Tucker, and ?…..”In that Order”..lol
Queens' Mommy
November 3rd, 2012
12:49 am
@Dboy, I know plenty about sports, not your average female spectator here sir. Now back to this Regional Championship win, if it didn’t matter to your team then they wouldn’t have voted to have your star return for this not so important game…LOL
BcS2010
November 3rd, 2012
12:52 am
@jab… I’m saying how do they do the playoff seeding if it’s not by point spread?
BcS2010
November 3rd, 2012
12:53 am
Like if miller grove beat Mlk?
JustanotherMLKfan
November 3rd, 2012
12:56 am
@Dboy…I am actually very surprised to learn that you are in fact a grown man. Best of luck to all of the Dekalb County teams. Let’s continue to be good fans and to support the hard work of these kids and their coaches.
Dboy Scott
November 3rd, 2012
1:00 am
@justanotherdekalbfan, shut up being politically correct wit good luck to all dekalb teams. Forget that I’d it’s not Tucker it’s nobody. That’s how I feel
Dboy Scott
November 3rd, 2012
1:03 am
Bcs2019. It don’t matter how they do it. We still played NSWR last year in before the championship game and we clearly was the 2 best teams in the state last year. Lovejoy moved up to 6A ball unlike MLK and Stephenson
Queens' Mommy
November 3rd, 2012
1:04 am
@Tucker 4 life, glad your opinion is just that AN OPINION. MLK displayed nothing but class this evening. Sounds like you are just a tad bit emotional about this loss, so you had to grab at straws to find something to ease your pain. Get over yourself and get ready to cheer for your team again next week.
Go Dekalb!
November 3rd, 2012
1:07 am
@ Dboy Scott… I agree, you are a blog thug. You may be grown so you say. I say you need to grow up and show some class. Maybe you just need to get some sleep. Why be rude?!
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
1:07 am
@ bCs2010 they don’t decide the region standings by points in HS Football but by wins if (ALL) are tied Stephenson & Tucker are now tied with 2 loses a piece, Stephenson gets the #2 spot bcause they beat Tucker head up! It was that way last year Stephenson was undefeated and MLK had 1 loss, when they met MLK won so they were region champs… LIKE SPECTATOR & fbfan said: congradulations, we (ALL) need to be supportive and get ready for NSWR, Gainesville Tompson County etc… LET’S GO DEKALB COUNTY… Gnight again!!!
Dboy Scott
November 3rd, 2012
1:12 am
NO Let’s go Tucker! Damn err body else. It’s only 1 trophy that will go in 1 school. We don’t share rings or trophy wit other schools. This is sports for god sake. SMH..
Queens' Mommy
November 3rd, 2012
1:15 am
@Dboy, far from old and nope never offended, because you do absolutely nothing for me. Meaning you are a non factor….lol I hope I haven’t offended you like my MLK Lion did your Tigers LOL
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
1:16 am
@ Dboy Scott, I got a lot of stock in Stephenson & I have relatives who go to MLK., I wish you have sat by me during the game, where we had some good intelligent trash talking; You really would have learned more about me and the knowledge that I have about Dekalb, Yeah! I coached & played football man…
Queens' Mommy
November 3rd, 2012
1:19 am
Uh oh, Dboy is getting upset. His team lost and his ego is crushed so now he has to overcompensate by referring to his income, all over a hs football game….sounds like the short man syndrome to me….lmbo
uncleJunior
November 3rd, 2012
1:20 am
Ladies and gentlemen . . . . . . .welcome to the 5th quarter!!!!!!!!!! Or should I say 6th quarter!?!?
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
1:22 am
@ Dboy Scott, watch your respect” Queens’ Mommy is a lady and have every right to be on here> Okay I’m out this time for real!!! Gnight (ALL) JAB bout to hit some ZZZZZZZZzzzz’s…;)
Queens' Mommy
November 3rd, 2012
1:24 am
Blah blah blah. Again your opinion of me means nothing and I know this much for sure 24 MLK Tucker 17 means and L for the team you support. My money and my child attends MLK, THUS it is my team, and I’ll pass on that offer, never know where your hands have been.
Queens' Mommy
November 3rd, 2012
1:28 am
Wow and now we name calling, I have to agree with the others you are childish and rude. smh at you allowing me to get under your skin. Tsk Tsk Tsk. On that note… GN
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
1:30 am
WOW! Just when I was about to log off, man Dboy you old enough to be my Dad, and being disrespectful to ladies like that–my father would took me out for blogging like that, I hope none of the younger kids don’t read this. Less just keep it clean on here! I sat on Tucker side tonight and enjoyed myself trash talking with the other guys but it was all clean & fun…
JustanotherMLKfan
November 3rd, 2012
1:30 am
Really hope some of the other Tucker bloggers show up tomorrow, because someone is not representing that school very well. Night all
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
1:45 am
@ Dboy Scott, to address another issue that you stated, The reason Stephenson and MLK is playing in AAAAA and not AAAAAA because they don’t have the numbers (enrollment); Georgia High Association has an cut # for enrollment in each division. Stephenson doesn’t have more students than Tucker, MLK slightly have more than Stephenson; I believe D. Hills, MLK & Lakeside is the largest Dekalb County schools in that order. You can elect to play up in division with less students; but if you have the GDE numbers your school must play in the division. That why Buford had to play up in AA, Clarkston is in our division but is playing a non region schedule (Because they can’t compete) so as , Druid Hills is pplaying in AAAAAA because of it’s numbers…
JAB
November 3rd, 2012
1:59 am
@ Dboy Scott, I’m well educated, young man @ all man dude!!! Alright, I see where this is going-a power struggle is when you allow someone to keep pulling you into their little world and try to get you on their level.. No futhur comments from Dboy Scott, your blog name speaks for itself man!!!
K From Da Wood
November 3rd, 2012
2:06 am
@JAB… Thank you for educating that poor misguided individual Dboy Scott. This guy is a classic blogger, loud, obnoxious, disrespectful, and full of excuses and reasons why his team his better than what we just saw. This is going to be an extremely tough region as long as it is configured as such. MLK has been consistent since it’s 2nd full varsity season. The history of all these schools speaks for themselves. A state is not the only measure of success, but it is what all the teams are and should be playing for. Good night all! Once again WAY TO GO MLK LIONS 2012 REGION 6-AAAAA CHAMPS!!!! NOW ON TO THE PLAYOFFS…..
Dekalb all the way!!!
November 3rd, 2012
4:10 am
@Dboy…if you look at the attendance, MLK, Stephenson and Tucker have close to the same amount of students, which is what mostly determines their classification. MLK and Stephenson had the guts to play in 5A the last few years, even though they were a 4A school. MLK did opt to play up, but the Dekalb Athletic department didn’t submit the paper work in time. They both have competitive in the highest classification. For them, just maybe that State doesn’t mean as much if it’s not in the highest classification. Trust me, Tucker would not have beaten Camden Co. or Grayson last year. Just a little food for thought.
On another note, great job by both teams tonight!!!
Dekalb all the way!!!
November 3rd, 2012
4:25 am
@JAB…last year MLK and Stephenson were 9-0 before they played each other.
@Dboy…somebody need to beat some sense in your head!!! You sound like a spoiled retarded brat!
True Blue
November 3rd, 2012
4:34 am
I haven’t seen so many so loser with so many excuses. STEPHENSON and MLK school enrollment is for 5a Sports. And for your information Dboy crybaby Scott MLK try to play up but Dekalb County Athletic Deparment didnt turn their paperwork to GHSA. Stephenson chose play down instead of up in fact Tucker have more students than Stephenson. Tucker you was always on here bragging about you did in a scrimmage and now your season doesn’t mean nothing until you win the big one. That sound like a sore loser, because in college only two team can play for the NC and you can go 12-0 and still don’t get pic but your season didn’t mean. We have told y’all for years that play either Stephenson or MLK in a real game. The outcome will be the same, because your players would have a hard time finishing the game. Like i said too many kids going both ways and you aren’t the only one with speed. Just thank Stephenson and MLK for playing up when you won State them year, because they could have played 4a GHSA sports, because they were a 4a school playing up. And for you can’t be mad about how many players on team and how both school fan follow them. They just have so many kids wanting to play football. Both school make DC Athletics Department a lot of money and especially when they play each other. The game is soldout. So, Tucker quit crying and making excuses. You lost to two schools that should have been in your region long time ago and know that they are in your region. It should be some good football on Friday and good girls and boys basketball. Not forgetting girls track anf field. REGION 6-5A are going to rule State in them 3 sports
True Blue
November 3rd, 2012
4:56 am
I can’t wait too see what the excuse going to be next year, because all 3 schools have a young defense with a lot of returnee. Then you have Arabian Mountain returning a lot of starter on both side. Region6-5A is going to be interesting, because Arabian should have beaten SHS and Tucker this year. They dropped a lot of TD passes. Then they had MG 20-0 in the 4th quarter and lost because they couldn’t finish. So next year going to be interested. Its Playoff Time in 2 weeks. DC school represent your county with class and let’s try and have 2 schools from the same region playing at the Dome. Just like we did in girls and boys basketball this year with SWD and MG playing in Gwinnetti Arena
High 5
November 3rd, 2012
5:38 am
Upset alert: Mays will beat Stephenson b/c the Jags can’t stop the pass! Mays blew out Miller Grove! Mays has a better passing game than MG and MG passed the ball all over Stephenson. You heard it here first! See you at Lakewood! RAIDER NATION!
BcS2010
November 3rd, 2012
8:26 am
Sense all these STEPHENSON fans are on the tucker vs Mlk blog can somebody please answer my question and stop going around it? HOW WOULD THE PLAYOFF SEEDING BE IF MILLER GROVE BEATS MLK? Then tucker Stephenson and MG would be 8-2
Get It Done
November 3rd, 2012
8:44 am
Dboy hope you didn’t tear up a lot of stuff in your apartment last night, cause was one made TUCKER KITTY last night, LOL. The way you were behaving, you must have lost a lot of MONEY on this one. LOLOLOL
K From Da Wood
November 3rd, 2012
8:52 am
BcS2010 If MG wins there will have to be a tie breaker and I don’t know what the region proceedure is. Great question!
JAGNATIONSUPPORTER
November 3rd, 2012
9:14 am
@ bcs2010 MLK 1, STEPHENSON 2 , TUCKER 3 and MG 4!
JAGNATIONSUPPORTER
November 3rd, 2012
9:16 am
No sorry MLK 1 and by points scored on head to head games
JAGNATIONSUPPORTER
November 3rd, 2012
9:29 am
WOW!!!!!!! the LIONS are the KING of the jungle (5areg6)! Congrats MLK on your victory and being REGION CHAMPS for the 3rd year in a row. After what the team had to endure at the beginning of the season with the coaching change, nothing but a TREMENDOUS job by the coaching staff, team and the community that supported them! On a different note, i hope the young man from Tucker is fine. And not the bash you Tucker fans, you have a wonderful program but now you are playing two other wonderful programs. They might not have the CHAMPIONSHIPS that you have but they are coming soon. Stephenson and MLK have experienced playing against teams with size and speed. This is nothing new to them. Tucker you must adjust NOW! 0-2 VERSUS THE TWO BIG CATS!!!!! Will the Tiger fold and go in it’s cage or come out and FIGHT? Only time will tell!!!! Good luck to all the teams in 5areg6 who make the playoffs!!!!! This region will be a lot of fun for the next couple of years! Just rename it to THE BATTLE OF THE CATS!!!!!!!
M. L. KING FAN
November 3rd, 2012
10:01 am
What happened to Coach Carson? I haven’t noticed him on the sidelines for a few games.
Get It Done
November 3rd, 2012
10:09 am
M.L. KING FAN- You are a Lions fan and don’t know what happened to coach Carson? Come on now , this is old news. He hasn’t been on the sidelines all season. He was forced to resign due to inappropriate conduct.
JAGNATIONSUPPORTER
November 3rd, 2012
10:09 am
He is no longer at MLK!!
JAGNATIONSUPPORTER
November 3rd, 2012
10:11 am
well said GET IT Done
Tiger4Life
November 3rd, 2012
10:23 am
Congratulations MLK… Good win.
6AAAAA Fan
November 3rd, 2012
10:24 am
Just some observations…The Tucker Tigers Head Coach will get a pass this year but he will have to step it up next season…The Offensive Coordinator needs to step down or make significant changes to the teams offensive game plan, i.e. implement a more balanced attack
gomez
November 3rd, 2012
10:26 am
Would you guys stop bickering about this. MLK is the king this year. The Region 6 top four will play the Region 7 top four in round one. The only team in Region 7 that is worth a toot is Kell. Region 6 is the best AAAAA region in the state by far and I’ll bet that the top three will go deep in the playoffs this year.
From what I have seen MLK is the best overall. Stephenson has a great rushing defense (I think we know about their pass D) and a serviceable offense. Tucker has a defense equal to MLK but cannot pass if the run game is not working (which it is not this year). Miller Grove has a good passing offense and a serviceable defense. Have not seen Mays play. SWD does not have enough offense this year (or last year).
I predict 1-MLK, 2-Stephenson, 3-Tucker, 4-Miller Grove. Mays always lets me down. Sorry Mays.
It’s anyones guess about Region 7. It looks like 1-Kell, 2-Creekview, 3-Pope, 4- Sequoyah.
Get It Done
November 3rd, 2012
10:27 am
Where have you been Tiger4Life? Almost time for the playoffs and region 6AAAAA will Get It Done, one game at a time. Think MG will be the better 4th seed this year.
Tiger4Life
November 3rd, 2012
10:31 am
@JAB
Really dude?!?
“new and improved region 6AAAAA where MLK & Stephenson rules…”
If you guys had not lost to Miller Grove I might agree with that. Stop riding the coat tail of MLK. They are the only team undefeated, stop blocking thier shine by mentioning you school.
Like DBoy said, if you aint in first your losing !!!! And being Region Champs is cool, but you don’t get rings for that. State Champs is where it’s at.
So until until Tucker is eliminated from the state playoffs we are still the defending STATE CHAMPS !!! (something Stephenson will never say)
We Got This Here
Our Work Is Not Done
WE ARE TUCKER
Run With Us or Run From Us
gomez
November 3rd, 2012
10:37 am
Oh, and shout out to Arabia Mountain who I think is the best 2-6 team in the state by far. They would be in the playoffs in Region 7.
FBfan
November 3rd, 2012
10:46 am
@6AAAAA Fan. I disagree with your assessment. Coach L seems to be the right person for the young men and coaches at Tucker. He brings a different coaching style to the field. The team has had to adjust to that style, which I ‘d say is quite different from Coach Stephens. Not saying better or worse – just different. I enjoy watching the Wing T, it requires defenses to be physical and disciplined.
I think the DC has been on the staff for a while, so maybe this is just the wedding period. Again, when you come right down to it – its about instilling discipline, commitment and teamwork into the lives of 16, 17 and 18 year old young men. A tough chore in todays world