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DANDRIDGE – If it got Jefferson County to play all the time like they did in the second half of Tuesday evening’s match, Shawn Way would hold Senior Night at halftime of every match.

Taking on Morristown East, the Patriots honored their largest senior class ever at the intermission. Leading by just one goal at the time, the Patriots came out for the second half on fire as they scored four second half goals to take a 5-0 victory over the ‘Canes.

“I think in the first half we just looked like we weren’t in sync at times, but in the second half we settled down and put some of those shots back on frame,” Jeff County coach Shawn Way said. “Really proud of the guys. They came out quick and really never looked back.”

With the win, Jeff County moved to 2-0 in district play and can win the regular season title with a win over Morristown West next Thursday.

“That won’t be an easy one, especially going on the road,” Way said. “We’re right where we want to be in first place going into the last week, and we just need to go to West and play a good team and get a result.”

For the ‘Canes, they fell to 0-3 in district play and will be the No. 4 seed at the district tournament.

It was a feeling out process to start the match for both teams as the chances were slim through the first 35 minutes of the match. With just three minutes remaining in the half, the Patriots finally got on the board as Martin Morales slotted a goal home.

The Patriots had five shots on goal in the first half, while East had just one shot in total.

In the second half, the Patriots were quick out the gate, challenging East keeper Fredy Rivera. Rivera made four saves in the first seven minutes, but Jeff County finally fired one past him in the 55th minute as Ryley McCoy buried a shot into the back of the net.

The Patriots added three more goals in the half as Luke Haston scored four minutes after McCoy. Donal Depaz scored in the 77th minute before Bobby Emmert closed things out with a goal in the 79th minute.

In the second half, Jeff County had 10 shots on goal while East had five. East’s best chance came on a free kick in the second half that the Patriots keeper tipped just over the net.

“I think we just rushed ourselves and tried to hit the perfect shot and blast a hole in the net (in the first half),” Way said. “We just had some nice, calm finishes in the second half. Bobby (Emmert) misses a couple close shots and then hits one from 25-30 yards running full speed. It just balanced itself out.”

At halftime, the Patriots honored 14 seniors that have helped guide their program.

“They’ve helped keep the culture positive and grow it the way it needs to be at Jeff County,” Way said. “Can’t say enough about them. They went through the covid year their freshmen year, so just to see the growth and what they’ve been through is special. It’s a fun group to come to practice with and be with.”

Jefferson County will be back in action next Tuesday at Oak Ridge, before taking on West next Thursday. Morristown East will hold their Senior Night on Thursday as they host West Greene at 6:30 p.m.