COTTONDALE — Meet Hunter Jordan and Blountstown, the destroyers of playoff dreams.
The senior quarterback accounted for three touchdowns in leading the top-ranked Tigers over Cottondale 42-0 in the Class 1A state semifinal Friday. Blountstown improved to 13-0 and remained unchallenged in what has been a dominant run. Cottondale fell woefully short in its first state semifinal appearance and finished 8-5.
Cottondale pulled off two upsets to reach this stage for the first time, but it met the fate of Liberty County and Port St. Joe in previous weeks. Blountstown will play Trenton for the state title in Orlando next week. Trenton edged Dixie County 17-14 in Friday’s other semifinal.
“We kept it going all year,” Jordan said. “All the hard work has put us here.”
Jordan scored from 2 yards out to give the Tigers a boost 35 seconds into the game. He also scrambled for a 10-yard score late in the first quarter to give Blountstown a 21-0 lead. Further proof of the Tigers unflappable demeanor came two plays after an illegal block penalty.
Jordan looked left and lobbed a pass to Shon Peterson, who took it 16 yards for a four-touchdown lead. The bus was firmly warmed for Orlando by then.
The Tigers entered the season as regional favorites. They proved the point by outscoring playoff opponents 116-6 with two shutouts.
“We had the whole town looking to us,” said Jordan, whose 28 total yards came on his three scores. “It’s like a weight off our shoulders.
Cottondale’s offense met the impenetrable Blountstown defense, also headed by Jordan, and finished with 102 yards. Rushing leader Norris Calhoun, the backbone of two previous postseason comebacks, was limited to 32 yards on 17 carries.
The Hornets squandered a chance to score in the second quarter on what was their best drive. Trailing 21-0, they moved to the Tigers’ 9 in 13 plays. A holding penalty, 10-yard loss on a reverse and an interception provided a narrative for the difficult night.
Alex Mayorga added an exclamation point to the tale with a 62-yard run on the next play. Peterson scored four plays later. Cottondale’s Cinderella run officially ended 30 minutes later under a running clock.
Mayorga led all rushers with 113 yards. Blountstown was balanced again with seven ballcarriers in the first half. It’s been a successful formula and one Blountstown is packing for Orlando.
“We’re gonna do what we’ve done this season,” Jordan said. “Run the ball and pound away on defense.”
Blountstown advanced to its first state final since 2004 when it fell to Fort Meade in Class 1A. Trenton played in last year's state championship game before losing to Bratt Northview.
Blountstown 21 14 7 0 - 42
Cottondale 0 0 0 0 - 0
First quarter
BHS - Jordan 2 run (Bennett kick) 11:25, 7-0 BHS
BHS - AMayorga 9 run (Bennett kick) 7:46, 14-0
BHS - Jordan 10 run (Bennett kick) 3:05, 21-0
Second quarter
BHS - SPeterson 16 pass from Jordan (Bennett kick) 5:30, 28-0
BHS - CPeterson 5 interception return (Bennett kick) 1:40, 35-0
Third quarter
BHS - SPeterson 72 interception return (Bennett kick) 7:48, 42-0