GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Justin Spear is living a dream right now.
Since taking his talents from Jupiter Christian to Tusculum last summer, the kicker has the chance to be called a champion in his first year of college. His Pioneers team will be taking on Lenior-Rhyne for the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) spring football title.
The kickoff between Tusculum (Mountain Division leader at 2-0; 3-1 overall record) and Lenior-Rhyne (Piedmont Division leader at 3-0; 3-0 overall record) will take place today (April 10) at 2:30 p.m. It will be located at Moretz Stadium in Hickory, N.C.
“You can expect a dog fight,” Spear said. “We don’t like each other and we are very talented. You can expect a high scoring game and a win for us.”
Since dropping a 21-6 decision in the spring season opener to Newberry on March 6, Tusculum has reeled off three straight wins over the likes of Mars Hill (58-20 on March 12), Erskine (47-7 on March 26), and Limestone (49-17 on April 3).
Although Spear will not be actually playing in this game – the former Jupiter Christian standout has simply been traveling with the team – he is happy for the Palm Beach County representation that will exist on the field today.
Spear has two teammates from our area: fellow freshman and wide receiver Javon Jackson (Delray Beach Atlantic alum) and sophomore defensive back Ty’Korian Brown (Seminole Ridge alum).
“Javon has been good,” Spear said of Jackson, who has played in two games so far this season with two catches so far. “He is a rotational player. He has had some big moments. He is doing great in the classroom as well.”
Spear on Brown:
“He has been playing good,” Spear said of Brown. “He has been out with a hamstring pull, but he is recovering and should play this weekend. He is doing great at school.”
Spear said he likes how the Tusculum coaching staff utilizes the talent that exists on this team. He also touched on his overall experience so far at the Division II school.
“My experience has been good,” Spear said. “Although COVID-19 brings up its fair share of obstacles, I still have enjoyed being here. Coach [Jerry] Odom and [Kade] Bell and the rest of the staff has done a phenomenal job preparing us week after week and putting us in a great position to win. I have felt at home with my teammates, especially having many fellow Palm Beach County and South Florida teammates here.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Tusculum Football
