It was a bold move, but Lookout Valley High School football coach Tony Webb knew the best chance for continued success was to put the ball in TayVaughn Wynn’s hands.

With an undersized offensive line and the graduation of Chas Scruggs, the city’s career and single-season rushing leader, Webb scrapped the wing-T offense last spring in favor of the spread option, with Wynn at the controls.

The gamble paid off as Lookout Valley extended its streak of winning at least seven games to four consecutive years, a first in program history. Tonight the Yellow Jackets (7-3), who have won four of their last five games, visit fifth-ranked Friendship Christian (9-1) in the first round of the Class 1A state playoffs.

“TayVaughn has definitely been our MVP this year,” Webb said. “He leads us in rushing, passing, touchdowns, as well as tackles and interceptions. He’s had a great coming-out year. We knew he was a good athlete, but to do what he’s done, playing quarterback for the first time in a new offense, it’s amazing.

“He’s the perfect type athlete to run the spread the way we do. He has always had the ability to make big plays with his legs, but in the last few weeks he’s really gained a lot of confidence throwing the ball, too.”

Last week Wynn completed all five pass attempts for 135 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 70 yards, two touchdowns and two two-point conversions — all in the first half.

“I feel a lot more comfortable now than I was to start the year,” said Wynn, who has more than 800 rushing yards with more than 500 passing yards and leads the area with seven interceptions on defense. “I like taking on new challenges, and the new offense gave me a chance to really be a playmaker.

“With me and (running back) Derrick Pullom, we’re tough to stop now. We’re all feeling very confident going into this game. We’ve got more speed than they do, so that gives us a chance to make some big plays.”

Lookout Valley has scored 40-plus points three times this season as the 5-foot-9, 160-pound Wynn has gained control of the offense. The three-year starter in the secondary already holds the school record with 19 career interceptions. He recently moved from cornerback to safety, and facing a Friendship team that relies on the passing game could give him a chance for even more plays on defense.

“He’s a very physical kid for his size,” Webb said. “And he just has a knack for putting himself in position to make plays. He’s a very instinctual player that gives us a chance for big plays on both sides of the ball.”

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