The only thing missing was the mercy rule.

A roster dotted with speedy skill-position players helped Tennessee dominate Georgia 41-0 in Saturday’s annual Sportsman’s Warehouse all-star football game at Finley Stadium. The rosters included 2008 graduates from Chattanooga-area graduates on both sides of the state line.

The Tennessee all-stars scored on all five of their first-half possessions, each covering at least 23 yards as they outgained Georgia 296-70 in first-half total yards. It was the first shutout in the five-year history of the series, with Tennessee taking its third win in the event.

“Honestly, this feels great to know that we got the first shutout,” said former Tyner linebacker Wilson Jackson, who made eight solo tackles and was named the game’s defensive most valuable player. “We knew with the type talent we had up and down our roster that we were going to be tough to deal with.

“It was in our minds all through the second half to hold them scoreless.”

For all the offensive fireworks in the first half, the game likely will be most remembered for the bench-clearing fight that began with just over a minute remaining and led officials to call the game.

Former Red Bank receiver Tim Benford was speared in the back with just over a minute remaining, leading to a lot of pushing and shoving. It was the second time in the series’ history that tempers flared and the benches cleared.

“We started preaching to our kids in the second half not to retaliate,” said Tennessee head coach Tim Daniels of Red Bank. “You hate to see a good event end like this.

“Our kids were coming to Tim’s defense, but there’s no excuse to let it get out of control like that.”

Benford caught two first-half touchdowns and threw for another. The Tennessee Tech signee finished with 112 yards on three catches and was named the game’s offensive MVP.

“I just wanted to prove that I can play with the best players in the area,” Benford said “They beat us last year and I was determined to do whatever I could not to let it happen again.”

While Georgia stumbled out of the starting blocks, Tennessee sprinted to an insurmountable lead.

Former Ooltewah running back Brian Marshall turned the corner on his first carry and scored on a 43-yard run. After making a leaping catch for Tennessee’s second TD, Benford took a reverse pitch and connected with former Brainerd speedster Eric Penn on a series-record 78-yard scoring play. Benford later added a 23-yard TD reception from McMinn County quarterback Devon Johnson.

Former Marion County quarterback Trey Thompson completed three of six passes for 103 yards with two TDs, including a 67-yard hookup with Brainerd’s Orlandus Harris to end the first half.

“You almost run out of ways to describe Tim Benford,” Daniels said. “He’s a great talent and has matured into a tremendous leader.

“He will represent our area well in college.”