PREP FOOTBALL: Robinson's scoop-and-score all Tigers need to shut out Bears in spring game

Besides the fact the spring football game was delayed one hour because of lightning threat, the contest between host Columbia and Bartram Tail lacked the offensive explosion the teams showed during their matchup last spring, when Bartram Trail prevailed 29-20.

This time, it was fitting that Columbia’s defensive playmaker, Jaden Robinson, accounted for the only score of the game in the Tigers’ 7-0 victory at home Friday night to conclude the spring.

Robinson scored on an 89-yard fumble recovery, one that he caused on a QB sack on 4th-and-goal late in the second half.

“He lived up to his billing,” Columbia head coach Demetric Jackson said. “There's a reason why he did the things he did all season, because he is truly a playmaker. He made his presence known. He was all over that field.”

Offensively, starting quarterback Evan Umstead completed 5 of 15 passes for 38 yards and one interception before Zach Paulk took the snaps late in the third quarter, going 1 for 2 for five yards. In all, the Tigers managed to gain just 95 yards with the backups on both teams taking over most of the second half.

“We were missing a couple of linemen,” Jackson said, “but the ones we put in there came out and did a great job. I thought the offense did a good job of staying away from the negative plays, especially the backups that we put in late in the game. 

“We knew our defense was the key to us being successful.”

In the starter vs. starter matchup in the first half, CHS was outgained by the Bears 83-68 but managed to take its one-touchdown lead, thanks to a huge defensive stance on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Bartram Trail quarterback Riley Trujillo attempted to roll out after taking the snap, but was hounded by the pressure coming from Robinson and defense end Caden Bolstein. Robinson then forced the fumble on contact, and the ball rolled about five yards before Robinson scooped it up and ran 89 yards untouched to the end zone. 

Rolando Dominguez kicked the extra point for the seven-point lead that stood for the final score.

"I saw the quarterback fake the handoff,” Robinson recalled. “I was coming from the backside…I didn’t imagine the (defensive touchdown) would stand, but I did imagine we would be making big plays, though.”

Robinson said he didn't believe the lightning delay affected the game, which was also played with occasional rains.

“It was hard (learning about the delay) and we had to change our moods after being ready and pumped up,” Robinson said. “I had to make sure the guys stay focused and calm. They did a good job of getting ready when it was time to start.”

Columbia’s defense was outstanding through the first two quarters, forcing the Bears to three three-and-outs and another where the Bears gave up the ball on downs after just four plays.

The offense, however, didn't fare much better. The Tigers’ most promising drive came in their second possession of the game when Umstead had two consecutive completions to Dailyn Bradley of 20 and 10 yards to the Bears 49-yard line, but the Tigers punted four plays later.

The Bears’ best shot to score in the first half was set up when they blocked a Columbia punt to put the ball at the CHS 19. The Tigers committed two personal foul penalties, including a roughing-the-kicker penalty on a missed 30-yard attempt, to help the Bears set up with a second 1st-and-goal situation. 

“There were really some boneheaded, stupid stuff, but we'll correct that,” admitted Jackson. “They blocked our punt, then we rough their kicker. Then we stopped their quarterback and get the score. I'm really proud of our defense.”

He also had praise for his second-stringers on defense, which were inserted in the game in the fourth quarter. They kept the shutout going after the Bears missed a 40-yard field goal attempt with 6:05 remaining.

“I wanted the shutout really bad,” said Robinson, who sat out for most of the second half. “I didn’t want them scoring on our twos either.”