Four college lady basketball teams will compete at Bethel College during the second annual McKenzie Rotary Club-Polio Plus basketball tournament.

Blue Mountain College, Williams Baptist College, University of Rio Grande, and Bethel College ladies teams will play on Friday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Admission is $5.00 for each day. Prize drawings will be held throughout the games.

Proceeds from the event go to Rotary International's effort to eradicate polio worldwide.

For more information, contact Ed Dillon at 731-352-9641.

Thanks to host McKenzie's 35-14 Class 2A first-round playoff victory, Cheatham County is one of those teams getting an early start on the hardwood.

The Rebels moved into the Sweet 16 for the fourth straight year by dispatching the Class 3A converts.

The Rebels travel to Hohenwald to face 11-0 and third-ranked Lewis County in the second round. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

What was a lethargic defensive start to the game for the Rebs turned into a clog in the Cubs'drain during the second half.

Cheatham County, who trailed 21-14, had 128 yards at halftime.

After an inspirational speech by defensive coach David Duncan, the Rebels emerged and stoned the Cubs for 93 second half yards, kept them off the scoreboard and limited them to under 10 minutes of possession in the final 24.

Simply put, McKenzie took over.

Duncan, with grin, feigning confusion, said he didn't really say anything at halftime.

But some rather inspirational verbiage was offered.

"We challenged their manhood at halftime," said McKenzie coach Wade Comer. "We came out and played like we are capable of playing in the second half. That was the best half we played in a while."

The Rebels took over up front which enabled junior running back Cody Cook to have a memorable night. He had four touchdowns, three rushing, one receiving, carried 17 times for 187 yards and set the MHS career rushing mark. He broke Darrian Allen's mark of 2,713 yards set in 1997. Cook now has 2,827 total yards.

"Cody ran excellent," said Comer. "We made some blocks, picked up stunts and everything worked like it's supposed to. When they tightened up (to stop the run), we'd burn them with the pass."

Sophomore quarterback Drew Hayes was 17-27 passing for 220 yards.

But it was a grind-it-out night for the Rebels, who came to life in the second half. The Rebels started the third frame with a drive that lasted nearly eight minutes and ended with a fumble deep in the red zone. The MHS defense stumped the Cubs and forced a 39-yard punt. From there, the Rebels straddled quarters. On the first play of the final frame, Cook dashed 42 yards to paydirt. John Kermit Laughery booted one of his three extra points and the Rebels had put Cheatham County in a 28-14 hole. And it was apparent that the Cubs' offense was going nowhere.

McKenzie took the ball back on its own 41 and needed four plays for Cook to sprint 51 yards for his final TD of the night. With 8:21 to play, the Rebels led 35-14 and that was that.

"That was the best half of football we've played in a while," said the coach. "But we have to put two halves together next week. Our seniors stepped it up and got themselves another game."

Cheatham County had other ideas as the game began. It rushed six straight times to get to the 33. That's when Cub quarterback Chris Langely went topside to receiver J.R. Rogers. The pass went for 31 yards when Rebel defensive back Randy Lacey stripped Rogers and the ball rolled out of the end zone. McKenzie was awarded the touchback and possession. The Rebels didn't do much with the possession, but backed up Cheatham County with the punt and forced it to punt three plays later. Senior linebacker John Craig Howell deflected a piece of the kick and the ball rolled out of bounds for a 10-yard punt. That's when the Rebels went to work.

A 22-yard completion to junior receiver Clint Anderson set up Cook's 17-yard TD run with 2:48 to play in the first.
But the Cubs answered with a 16-play, 61-yard drive that consumed the rest of the first and much of the second frame. With 6:49 to play, Sam Reeves scored from the 2 and Johnny Beach's kick tied the game.

Cook hauled in a 21-yard TD pass from Hayes for a 14-7 lead on the next drive.

The Rebels scored once more before the half. Hayes, scrambling, found senior Clint Manns in the back, left corner of the end zone. The pass threaded the needle and Manns secured the tipped pass for his first career TD, a 26-yard reception, with 1:37 to play.

The Cubs took advantage of a big kickoff return on the ensuing possession and returned it all the way to the MHS 29. Five plays and 41 seconds later, Reeves had his second TD of the night from a yard. Beach's kick narrowed what was once a cozy 21-7 gap to a mere seven points. But the Cubs wouldn't be heard from again.

"We dominated in the second half," said Comer. "That allows you to do more things on offense."

The Rebels improve to 9-2 overall and marks the second straight year the Rebels have won nine games.

Lacey had four catches for 66 yards to lead the Rebels. Manns had three for 38 and senior Daniel Duncan had three for 27. Defensively, Howell had eight tackles, a blocked punt and a pass break-up. Brad Campbell had seven tackles. Andrew Cross had six tackles, including two where he ran down Cub runners. Kris Sydnor had six stops. Lacey had five tackles and caused a fumble. Manns had a big night defensively, as well. He recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.

Cheatham County falls to 8-3 on the year.

"We've learned how to play in the playoffs and everybody's focused now," Comer said. "We've beaten Lewis County two years straight, so they'll be ready for us."

C 0 14 0 0 14
M 8 13 0 14 35

FIRST QUARTER
M - 2:48 Cody Cook 17 run, Randy Lacey pass from Drew Hayes, 5 plays, 55 yards, 2:44.
SECOND QUARTER
C - 7:59 Sam Reeves 2 run, Johnny Beach kick, 16 plays, 61 yards, 6:49.
M - 4:04 Cook 21 pass from Hayes, kick failed, 10 plays, 79 yards, 2:45.
M - 2:15 Clint Manns 26 pass from Drew Hayes, John Kermit Laughery kick, 10 plays, 79 yards, 2:45.
C - :56 Reeves 1 run, Beach kick, 5 plays, 29 yards, :41.
FOURTH QUARTER
M - 11:49 cook 42 run, Laughery kick, 4 plays, 64 yards, 1:23.
M - 8:21 Cook 51 run, Laughery kick, 4 plays, 59 yards, 2:27.

M C
Final Score 35 14
First Downs 16 13
Yds. Rushing 23-259 37-145
Yds. Passing 220 107
Total yds. 470 252
Comp.-att.-int. 17-27-0 9-17-1
Third down 4-10 2-10
Fourth down 2-5 2-4
Red zone-chances 2-3 2-3
Possession 23:18 24:42
Fumbles-lost 2-2 2-3
Punts-avg. 1-31 3-24
Penalties 4-36 4-32

Harpeth received the opening kickoff of the night and the receiver was stopped at his own three-yard line. A first down pass from quarterback Jimmy Gann was good for a gain of six before he was stopped by Phillip Weathers. Gann was then stopped by Adam Carter after a gain of one. An incomplete pass led to a punt to Kenny Rich. The Stangs took over at the Indians 40-yard line.

Weathers moved right for a gain of six and Chris Donald gained two. A motion call moved the ball back five yards and Weathers was stopped after a gain of one. Brian Nellett punted the ball into the end zone, leaving Harpeth taking over at its own 20-yard line.

On first down, a pass from Gann was intercepted by Scott Hampton and Huntingdon began their next possession at their own 41-yard line. This time the Stangs were ready to rumble, needing only seven plays to reach pay dirt. Bell took the ball for a gain of nine and then a first down at the Indians 44. A pass to Weathers was good for another first down at the 22. Bell moved left for six and right for nine. Bell was held for a loss of two before a pass to Will White brought the first of eight touchdowns at the 4:55 mark. The PAT was wide leaving the Stangs with a 6-0 lead.

The kick went into the end zone and the Indians took over at their own 20-yard line. A first down pass was out of bounds. On second down, with Gann in the shotgun, the snap was high and Gann caught the ball on a bounce and passed incomplete. A third down pass was also high and incomplete and the ball was punted to Rich who was stopped at the Harpeth 46.

Five plays later the Stangs were again in the end zone. Bell picked up six and a pass to Weathers brought the first down at the 32. Donald moved right and reached the fourteen-yard line. Donald jumped over the middle of the six yards and Bell moved left and into the end zone at the 2:44 mark. Quarterback Adam Parish moved back to pass for the two-point conversion, but was unable to find a receiver. However he did see a path to the end zone and ran the ball in to put the Stangs up 14-0.

The ball was again kicked into the end zone and the Indians took over at their own 20-yard line. Hunter Hastings and Desmond Townes held for a loss of two. Gann moved back to pass, couldn’t find a receiver and ran the ball out with Mark Newsome close behind at the 28. A motion call was assessed the Indians and with Gann in the shotgun, the snap was again high and bounced over Gann’s head and into the end zone. Gann reached the ball first and kicked it out of the end zone for a safety. Huntingdon led 16-0 at the 1:56 mark.

Huntingdon’s Kenneth Porter received the kickoff and returned the ball to the Indians 49-yard line. Bell moved right for nine and right again for the first down at the 24. Donald moved up the middle to the 18 and then Bell took the ball right and rushed into the end zone at the 33.2 mark. Newsome kicked the PAT good and the Stangs now led 23-0.

Harpeth’s Gann received the kickoff and returned the ball to the 19 with Luvanda Williams and Kory Geans on the stop. An incomplete pass was followed by Gann moving left and then back to the right where he was finally stopped by Nellett at the Indians 45 as the first quarter concluded. Gann was then held for a loss of nine by Matt Spellings and Geans. Stephen Wright and Geans held the gain to three and a third down pass was incomplete. Porter received the punt and was stopped at the Stangs 20.

Bell was held for a loss of one while Donald picked up seven. Parish was sacked for a loss of seven and Gann received the punt and was stopped at the 45 by Newsome and Carter.
The Indians were four and out and Huntingdon took over at their own 20 after the punt went into the end zone. Donald picked up three and Bell added four more. Bell then moved up the middle for the first down at the 35. Bell moved left for five and left again for the first down at the Indians 48. Weathers was tapped for the next run and took the ball all the way into the end zone at the 4:21 mark. The kick was wide and Huntingdon now led 29-0.

Gann was stopped by Geans, Hastings, Porter and Rich on the kickoff at the 17. Townes and Geans held the gain to a yard. After a gain of eight, Donald and Townes held at the 28. Nellett held for a gain of five while Donald, Geans and Hastings stopped the run for a loss of three. Nellett and Townes held again for a loss of one and a motion penalty on the Indians was declined. Porter received the ball at the Huntingdon 45.

Bell rushed for three and four yards. A pass, intended for Weathers was incomplete. The punt rolled to the seven yard line but a penalty moved the ball to the Indians 39 with the Stangs still in charge. A pass was incomplete on first down and then a completed one was good to Weathers for a nine-yard gain. A third down pass was long, but a block in the back moved the ball to the nine-yard line. A first down pass was incomplete and with 6.7 remaining in the first half, the Stangs attempted a 26-yard field goal which was wide. Huntingdon took a 29-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

During intermission, home fans were treated to two of the top bands in the state. The Harpeth Band of Blue was the Division II winner this year while the Marching Mustangs were the Division I winner in state competition. Harpeth put on a nautical show complete with an inflated shark during their rendition of the theme from “Jaws.” Also during the performance, hometown fans were treated to a trumpet solo from Daniel Davidson, the Harpeth kicker and punter. Both bands received a big round of applause for their performances.

The second half began with Huntingdon receiving the opening kickoff. Rich received and returned the ball to the Harpeth 45. Bell moved the ball up the middle to the 31. A pass was shot to Donald. Bell was held for a loss of two and a pass to Weathers brought a first down at the 19. Bell gained no yards and Donald moved up the middle for eight. Bell then moved the ball into the end zone at the 8:43 mark. The kick by Newsome was good and the Stangs how held a 36-0 advantage.

Chad Vance received the kick and was stopped by Eric Woods at the 30. Hastings held for no gain and one incomplete pass was followed by one good for eight before the receiver moved out of bounds. The punt was downed at the 26. With 7:26 remaining in the third quarter, the Stangs took over at their own 26.

Donald moved up the middle to the 41 and would have been gone if he had not been tripped. Weather gained three, Donald was held for a loss of one and then Weathers moved left to the 32 for the first down. Donald gained another first down at the 11. Bell moved left, a pass to Newsome was incomplete and Parish pitched the ball to Bell for a gain of four. A delay of game penalty was assessed and Newsome came in to attempt a 27-yard field goal which was good, giving the Stangs a 39-0 lead at the 3:46 mark of the third period.

On the kick return, the Indians fumbled, but recovered and took over at their own 13. Cale Belew held the gain to one and Hastings held the gain to three. An incomplete pass was followed by the punt to Porter who returned the ball all the way (50 yards) at the 1:42 mark. The PAT by Newsome was good and the Stangs now led 46-0.

Gann received the kickoff and was stopped by Kegan Ball at the Harpeth 35. A pass incomplete and a motion call was assessed the Indians. A second down pass was incomplete, but a third down pass was complete to Justin Beasley and good for a first down before the stop by Rich. An incomplete pass was followed by a low snap with Gann falling on the ball for a loss of four as the third period ended. Weathers held after a gain of 10 and a fourth down fumble was recovered by Spellings as Huntingdon took over at their own 46.

Weathers moved for short yardage and then the second string offense moved in with Cody Baker at quarterback. Geans moved behind Cedric Harris for a first down at the Indians 31. Geans and Noles moved the ball on the ensuing five plays with Noles scoring on a 19-yard run at the 6:47 mark. The PAT by Newsome was good and the Stangs now led 53-0.

Gann received the ball and was stopped by L. Williams. After no gain on first down, Gann took the ball and hit the right sideline, rushing 75 yards for the touchdown at the 5:23 mark. The kick was wide and the Stangs led 53-6.

An onsides kick was recovered by Harpeth and the Indians took over at the Huntingdon 45. A motion call moved the ball to the 40 and a pass was good for a first down at the 26 before Jerry McClerkin and Jorge Perez made the tackle. A pass was good for another first down at the 15 with Perez on the stop. Gann was stopped by Anthony Nellett and Karl Butler and a pass to Jason Petrino was good for the touchdown at the 3:30 mark. The two-point conversion was stopped short by Ball as Huntingdon’s lead was narrowed to 53-12.

The kick was short but Geans held on for a Huntingdon possession. With the first string offense back in the game, Donald moved up the middle as did Weathers who had a first down. A penalty on the Stangs moved the ball back again. Donald moved for no gain and Bell for short yardage before he ran the additional 48 yards to pay dirt at the 14.6 mark. The PAT was good by Newsome and the Stangs now led 60-12.

Harpeth received for a play as the game ended in a Huntingdon victory.

This Friday night, the Stangs will host the Chester County Eagles who upset Fairview last Friday night on the road. The Stangs defeated the Eagles early in the season and should be able to advance to the third round to play the winner of the Lewis County/McKenzie game in week three of playoff action. Lewis County narrowly missed an upset bid by Camden’s Lions in week one, 13-12, but the Panthers are definitely a better football team than that game might have indicated. The Rebels are hoping for a second round victory for another chance at a Region 6-AA opportunity. If McKenzie and Huntingdon win, the game will be played at Huntingdon. Should Lewis County and Huntingdon win, the game will be played on the road.

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