THOMASVILLE — South Georgia football fans packed the Jackets’ Nest for a showdown that drew the buildup and trash talk of a heavyweight boxing match.
What they got instead was a one-man beatdown, courtesy of Thomas County Central quarterback Aidan McPherson.
The Duke commitment lived up to his Power 4 billing, rushing for 196 yards and six touchdowns and throwing for 163 yards and a score during a 57-21 domination of Colquitt County.
“The thing with Aidan is, at any moment, he may house it. He may take it off,” Thomas County Central coach Justin Rogers said. “I really think, you know, that third quarter drive was big. Twelve plays, took it down to six minutes and really just iced it out.
“But no, Aidan keeping plays alive with his feet and his hands, it was big.”
McPherson, who transferred from Rome in July, started the first drive of the game. He appeared comfortable immediately, completing several passes before ending the drive on a rushing touchdown.
The Yellow Jackets took a 14-0 lead before Colquitt County punched back with its only score of the first half. The Packers appeared to have momentum until McPherson struck with his legs again, ripping off a 79-yard touchdown run on third down.
An errant Colquitt County snap on the next possession surrendered a safety, and suddenly, the Packers trailed 23-7.
“14-7 and that third-and-9 play, and (McPherson) took it 80,” Colquitt County coach Sean Calhoun said. “That and the safety, we just couldn’t bounce back.”
McPherson enjoyed the long touchdown run, but his favorite score of the night was his seventh.
“It kind of ended the game, got a running clock, so definitely that last one,” McPherson said.
McPherson initially drew statewide interest when he transferred from Rome. It was his second transfer, potentially inciting the Georgia High School Association’s new transfer rule that prohibits immediate eligibility to student-athletes who transfer for a second time after their freshman year began.
McPherson’s transfer was approved upon hardship appeal, bringing another elite player to Thomas County Central’s roster.
The senior quarterback was ready to refocus the discussion around him on his performance.
“I just deleted every social media and got in God’s word, really, and just eliminated all the distractions and just focused on the team and our plan to come out here and execute,” McPherson said.
The schools, separated by just 28 miles, renewed their rivalry for the first time since 2012. Colquitt County has the all-time series lead, 18-14.
The game also held personal meaning for Rogers, who was Colquitt County’s head coach before resigning and taking the Thomas County Central job in 2021.
“We had two communities packed out in aluminum bleachers in a lightning storm and wouldn’t leave, you know what I mean?” Rogers said. “Like, it meant something to both communities. So, it was a big deal.”
The Packers and Yellow Jackets will play at Colquitt County next season.
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