Staff writer
LEITCHFIELD -- The Cougar JV football team scored just once against Edmonson County, but their defense made it stand up for a 7-0, season-opening win.
The defense forced the Wildcats to punt on their first possession, and sophomore Kent Rudnick returned the ball from his own 35 to the 48 to give his team great starting position. On a third-and-seven, sophomore quarterback Jacob Hicks made the connection with junior receiver Tom Kaercher for a first down at the 43 in Wildcat territory.
Grayson County's Wes Carwile carried to the 14, but the Cougars were flagged for a forward lateral on the play and the ball was moved back to the Wildcat 45, where they faced a third-and-eight. Once again, Hicks found Kaercher wide open and the Cougar receiver ran all the way to the four before being hauled down.
Two running plays gained just a yard before Hicks hit tight-end Deron Rudnick with a pass at the back of the end zone to put the Cougars on top. Hicks kicked the extra point and with 1:18 left in the first period the Cougars were up 7-0.
The Wildcats threatened to tie things late in the second period, but the Cougars came up with a big play to stop them. Edmonson County had moved from its own 43 to the Cougar 14, where they faced a fourth-and-one situation. The Wildcats tried to run for the first down, but the Cougars separated the ball carrier from the ball and sophomore lineman Willie Price recovered to halt the drive with 45 seconds left in the half.
Neither team threatened in the third quarter, but the Wildcats took over at their own 40 with 7:01 left in the game and began to move. A pass interference penalty against the Cougars on a third-down pass, gave the Wildcats a first down at the Cougar 33 with 5:13 left.
A run lost a yard, then junior defensive back Graham Embry broke up a pass to make it third down. The Wildcats gained five yards on a running play and decided to go for it on fourth down. A Wildcat receiver seemed to be open over the middle, but at the last second Carwile stepped in to break up the pass and the Cougars took over on downs.
Grayson County gained a first down, and Carwile had a 42-yard run, down to the Wildcat 11, before time ran out, giving the Cougars a big win.
Post a Comment
