EVENSVILLE, Tenn. — Rhea County linebacker Zeke Romero entered Friday with 104 tackles this season.
However, it was the senior’s final play at a different position that made all the difference in a thrilling 21-14 home win over McMinn County in a key game for the postseason picture in TSSAA Region 3-5A.
Filling in at cornerback for injured teammate Laterrius Donegan, who had gone down the play before, Romero jumped a route near his home sideline, picked off a pass for the first time this year, and returned the interception 58 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:07 to play.
“I had just watched LT go down, and I dropped to my knees and prayed,” Romero said. “I said, ‘Lord, just give me an opportunity to glorify you.’ He gave me that platform to glorify His name. I was playing for LT, and the Lord came through. I just give all glory to him.
“I told my coach (Taylor Harvey), if you need me to play in LT’s spot, I will play wherever you want me to.”