By Jim Steele steele@mckenziebanner.com

When you look at McKenzie's game with Trenton-Peabody on paper, one might surmise that the host Rebels would have an edge.
The Rebels were hosting a winless team for homecoming. They snapped the ball almost twice as many times as the visiting Golden Tide. They rolled up 437 total yards and 21 first downs.
Final score: Trenton-Peabody 32, McKenzie 27.
The Rebels suffered a tough loss, their second at home and their second winnable in as many setbacks.
Problems? They were many. Tide junior Destrick Fields was one of them. He carried 18 times for 272 rushing yards, 232 coming in the first half. While Trenton was uni-dimensional - it didn't pass a single time - it did take advantage of some weaknesses in the McKenzie interior on defense. Another foible was the fact that the Rebels spotted their third opponent in four meetings a sizeable first-half advantage.
The Tide jumped to a 20-0 second quarter lead before McKenzie woke up to take a 27-26 lead in the final frame. Against Adamsville, MHS trailed 14-0 in the first quarter. Camden led 17-0 against the Rebels.
"We were 20-0 down and I don't know what the problem is," said a puzzled and dejected McKenzie coach Wade Comer. "We just didn't come out of the gate well."
Drew Hayes completed 21 of 37 passes for 272 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed four times for 33 yards. Hayes hit seven different receivers and effectively used senior Cody Cook, who rushed 19 times for 119 yards.
McKenzie exhumed itself from the 20-0 hole to briefly take a 27-26 lead then had to climb out again trailing 32-27 with 2:47 to play.
The Rebels marched 60 yards within striking distances. Problem is, they needed 65 for the victory. A fourth-down play with :19.5 to play in the game proved to be a controversial one chain link short of a first down. Trenton ran out the clock from there.
"The kids played hard and like I said, it hasn't been a question of effort," Comer said. "We've lost two games and we had a chance to win them both; We didn't get it done and now we have to figure out how to finish the deal."
Trenton wasted little time getting on the board. It rumbled 88 yards in nine plays, which included a 37-yard sprint by Fields on the first play of the game. The drive ended when Fields scored from the 6 with 7:01 to play. Just under seven minutes later, Fields burst 77 yards for another score. The conversion attempt failed, but the Tide led 13-0 with :09 to play in the first quarter.
Fields darted 76 yards for another Tide TD with 9:21 to play in the half and it led 20-0.
That last score must have been the beep of the alarm clock for the Rebels, who took the ensuing possession 62 yards for the score. Hayes found senior Clint Anderson for a 3-yard connection. John Kermit Laughrey nailed the first of three conversion kicks and the Rebels were on the board with 5:09 to play in the half.
Trenton seemed to be in good shape right before the half. A 56-yard punt backed the Rebs up to their own 20, but after an initial incompletion, Hayes handed off to senior Randy Lacey for a quick 5-yard game, then completed six straight passes culminating in a 36-yard aerial from Hayes to Lacey with :34.8 to play before intermission. The Rebs trailed 20-14 at the break and was about to receive the second-half kick.
McKenzie made good on it's coin-flip deferment. Staying basically in the ground for three of the first four plays, the Rebels began their game-tying march. Eleven plays and 68 yards into the drive, Hayes hit Glenn Smith for a 15-yard scoring pass. The kick was blocked, but with 7:01 to play in the third, the game was tied at 20.
Trenton came back with an eight-play, 65-yard drive of its own. Tyler Scott converted a fourth-down play by bolting 18 yards straight up the middle with 2:29 to play. The kick failed and Trenton led 26-20.
Converted seven of eight third downs in the second half, thanks in large part to an 11-play, 80-yard drive that led to McKenzie's go-ahead TD. On a third-and-3 from the Tide 11, Hayes found Julian Tucker in the back left corner of the end zone for his first career TD. The conversion kick lifted MHS briefly in front, 27-26.
An undaunted Tide answered with an eight-play, 65-yard drive. Scott scored on a 20-yard burst. The PAT failed, but the Tide led 32-27.
McKenzie made a gallant effort to win the game, but a controversial call on the fourth-down spot and chain mark gave the ball back to Trenton on its own 5 with :19 to play.
"I don't know what it is," said Comer. "It's not any one person and it's not a scheme thing; we need to step it up and we need to get back to basics and start hitting folks."
McKenzie, 2-3, 1-1 in 6-2A, was led by Lacey with five catches for 81 yards. Greg Pruitt had five catches for 43 yards. Anderson had four receptions for 64 yards. Bryson Lewis had three catches for 32 yards. Smith had two grabs for 21 yards. Cook hand a catch for 17 yards and Tucker had one for 11 yards.
Lacey and Ben Boyd each had eight tackles for McKenzie. Cook had six and James Horton had five.
"What it boils down to is that we have to get better," said Comer. "We have to step up and I have to do a better job of coaching. That's all there is to it."
McKenzie hosts Riverside for a huge 6-2A battle Friday night. Kickoff is 7:30 at Rebel Field.

SUMMARY

T 13 7 6 6 32
M 0 14 6 7 27

FIRST QUARTER
T - 7:01 Destrick Fields 6 run, Brandon Middleton kick. 9 plays, 88 yards, 4:59.
T - :09 Fields 77 run, kick failed. 2 plays, 81 yards, :50.
SECOND QUARTER
T - 9:21 Fields 76 run, Middleton kick. 1 playu, 76 yards, :43.
M - 5:09 Clint Anderson 3 pass from Drew Hayes. John Kermit Laughrey kick. 9 plays, 62 yards, 4:12.
M - :35 Randy Lacey 36 pass from Hayes. Laughrey kick. 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:00.
THIRD QUARTER
M - 7:01 Glenn Smith 15 pass from Hayes, kick failed. 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:59.
T - 2:29 Tyler Scott 18 run, kick faield. 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:30.
FOURTH QUARTER
M - 7:03 Julian Tucker 11 pass from Hayes. Laughrey kick. 11 plays 80 yards 3:55.
T - 2:47 Scott 20 run, kick failed. 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:16.

M T
Final score 27 32
First downs 21 12
Yds. rush 31-165 35-372
Yds. pass 272 0
Total yds. 437 372
Comp.-att.-int. 21-37-1 0-0-0
Fumbles-lost 2-0 0-0
Third down 11-16 3-6
Fourth down 1-2 1-2
Red zone 3-4 3-3
No. of plays 68 35
Punts-avg. 3-36 3-46
Penalties 6-60 2-25
Possession 25:13 22:47

By Pat Cole pcole@mckenziebanner.com

Huntingdon’s Mustangs had a very bad day on Friday, September 24. They not only had to deal with the death of a classmate at school, but found a very much improved Martin Westview team ready and willing to take on the defending state champions. What ensued was a big battle to see which team would manage to leave the victor.
The Mustangs drew first blood, held the Chargers and then seemed to be on their way to a second score, but an interception changed the entire tempo of the game and ultimately gave the Chargers whatever edge they needed for the victory. Offensively, the Stangs led with 313 rushing yards and 214 through the air. But Markei Guy was able to gain 268 yards to Phillip “Boo” Weathers 152 and saved the day for the Chargers as he scored all six of their touchdowns for the night.
The game began with the Stangs on offense. Blake Alexander kicked off to Weathers, who returned the ball 25 yards. Weathers was held for a loss by Brannon Bishop, but Chris Donald picked up eight before he was stopped by Michael Hobock. Donald moved up the middle for a first down at the 48 before Brandon Box and Brandon Wilson made the stop. On first down, Weathers took the ball for gains of three and then 39 yards, breaking two tackles on the latter run. Bishop was in on the first stop. Facing first and four, Weathers easily entered the end zone for the first score of the night. The PAT attempt by Scott Hampton was wide to the left as Huntingdon led 6-0 at the 9:27 mark.
Westview started their first possession at the 30 after Weathers stopped Brannen Bishop. Guy ran for a first down and on the tackle by Hunter Hastings and a host of Stangs, officials saw a 15-yard face mask penalty, moving the ball to the Stangs 15. Desmond Townes held Guy to a gain of two, and Bishop was held for a loss of two by Jorge Perez (who played an exceptional defensive game before being injured). Guy was stopped by Jorge and a holding penalty assessed against the Chargers, moving the ball back to the 25. A pass to Guy was incomplete and the Chargers opted to attempt a field goal which was wide to the right. Huntingdon still led 6-0 at the 6:55 mark.
Huntingdon began their next offensive opportunity at the 20. Hampton moved right for 21 yards before he was stopped. Weathers picked up one and Donald drug three defenders to the Charger 42 before he was stopped by Blake Stigall. Donald gained another four before he was stopped by Stigall and Hunter Nanney. A pass from Cody Crocker to Donald was good for 19 yards and a first down at the Charger 19 with Box on the stop. Weathers picked up nine and was hit so hard his helmet came off. Donald picked up the first down at the six. A pass on first and six was intercepted by Hobock and he returned the ball to the Stangs 5 where J.P. Powell stopped him.
Guy was stopped by a host of Stangs after a gain of two and Hobock picked up two more up the middle. Facing third and one, Brandon Pate was held for a loss of one by Townes and Perez. However on fourth and two, Guy made it into the end zone at the 1:47 mark to tie the game at six. Blake Alexander kicked the first of five PAT’s good and Westview took a 7-6 lead.
Hampton received the kick and was stopped by Box at the Huntingdon 34. Eight plays later on alternating runs by Donald and Weathers, Weathers entered the end zone for the second time on a four-yard run to score at the 10:40 mark of the second period. Hobock, Box, Brandon White, Wilson and Stigall led the defensive attack. Weathers moved into the end zone for the two-point conversion and Huntingdon led 14-7.
After receiving the kick and returning the ball to the 21 before the stop by Kegan Ball, the Chargers needed eight plays to tie the game at 14. Guy ran the ball; Cory Davis received a pass for a first down at the Huntingdon 45 and Bishop picked up a first down on the reverse at the Stangs 34. However, in the end, it was Guy who reached the end zone on a 28-yard run and Alexander’s kick was good for another point at the 6:46 mark. Defensively Weathers, Townes, Brandon McCormick, Ball, and Hastings led the attack.
The Stangs made another push to the end zone and although it was lengthy, finally pushed into the end zone for seven more points. Weathers began the push for no gain while a pass to Hampton was good for a first down at the 46. Donald and Hampton ran the ball for another first down at the 34. Donald was held for no gain and while he was being sacked on second down, Crocker found Weathers who rushed the ball to the 19 for the first down. Weathers moved again for a gain, but a holding penalty moved the ball back. Weathers picked up nine, followed by an incomplete pass and one for a gain of six to Hampton. Weathers moved for the first down and a measurement proved he had it at the eight-yard line. After a gain of one by Weathers, Donald gained the end zone at the 1:14 mark and the kick by Hampton was good to put the Stangs up 21-14. Defensively Stigall, Box, Bishop, and Austin Kendall led the defensive attack.
Bishop received the kick and seemed to have open territory to tie the game. However, Brent Taylor held on to his shirt until a host of Stangs came to his assistance to place the ball at the Charger 34. Perez held Guy at the 48. A motion penalty moved the ball back five yards, Hastings broke up a pass attempt and Perez and Jerry McClerkin held Davis after a successful pass at the Huntingdon 39. Another pass was incomplete, Guy was held to a gain of two by Hastings and Perez. After a short pass to Davis, Guy was held short of the first down by Hastings and the Stangs took over at the 21.5 mark at their own 47. Weathers picked up a couple of yards in the time remaining.
During intermission, the Marching Mustangs and Marching Chargers presented their competitive shows for the home crowd.
Westview had the first offensive opportunity of the second half and needed only two plays to score. After Guy received the kick and returned the ball to his own 30, the Chargers attempted a single pass before handing the ball to the capable hands of Guy. A 70-yard run followed and with the kick by Alexander, the Chargers had again tied the game at 21 at the 11:30 mark.
This time the Chargers held the Stangs who punted after a gain of only eight yards. Guy signaled for a fair catch at the 9:26 mark.
The Chargers were also held and had to punt after a devastating stop of Bishop by Donald for a loss of 29. The ball rolled to the Stangs 34 where they took over once again.
The Stangs seemed to be driving for another score as Weathers picked up three, a pass to E.J. Mann brought six yards and Crocker held up the middle for the first down at the 44. Weathers moved to the Charger 36 for a first down and then to the 14 for another. Donald picked up five and then a fumble was picked up by Bishop and returned to the 27 where he was stopped.
Guy quickly made the Stangs regret the mishap as he gained two and a pass to Hobock was good for a first down at the 40. Hobock rushed for two, Townes held Pate for a loss of six and then Guy took the ball for a first down at the Huntingdon 43. Jorge was hurt on the play and carried off the field where he remained with a knee injury. Pate picked up a first down at the 19 and Hobock gained one before Marcus Beal, Townes and Drew Smith made the stop. Guy ran for a gain of eight and the first down at the five before going into the end zone for the fourth time at the 2:38 mark. Alexander’s kick was good and the Chargers held the advantage of the second time, 28-21.
The Stangs did not let the score go unnoticed, scoring again at the 10:50 mark of the final period. Hampton returned the ball to the 45 and after a single play for three yards, the third period ended. A pass was incomplete and then Crocker found Ball for a first down at the 28. A pass to Hampton was good for another first down at the 17 and he was injured on the play. After an incomplete pass, Donald moved for five and then Crocker held to score at the 10:50 mark on a 12-yard run. Hampton came in to kick the PAT which hit the right upright and came back onto the field as Westview held on to a 28-27 lead.
After one run for no gain and two incomplete passes, the Chargers punted to Weathers who returned the ball to the 41 before he was stopped by Brad White.
A pass to Weathers was good for a first down at the Charger 35 and Donald picked up another at the 24. But then the Charger defensive line got tough. Hobock held Weathers for no gain and Hobock and Box held Weathers to a mere five yards. Donald was held to a gain of three by Hobock and facing fourth and two, Donald made the attempt and was judged a yard short. Westview took over at the 6:46 mark at its own 15.
Lightning struck twice in 10 seconds. Guy took the ball for an 85-yard jaunt to the end zone at the 6:31 mark and the kick by Alexander was good to give the Chargers a 35-27 lead. After the ball was kicked out of bounds, the Stangs took over at their own 35 and Crocker unleashed a pass to Powell who rushed 65 yards to the end zone at the 6:21 mark to narrow the gap to 35-33. The Stangs decided to go for two and gave the ball to Weathers who was held by a host of Chargers, leaving Westview in charge, 35-33.
After the Huntingdon kick was out, the Chargers took over at their own 35. Guy took the ball to the 40 and an incidental face mask penalty moved the ball another five yards to the 44. Six plays later on a fourth and five, Guy converted the play to a first down at the six and then moved into the end zone at the 2:30 mark. A bad snap left the Chargers without a sixth PAT and they now led 41-33.
The Stangs took over at their own 35 after the ball was again kicked out of bounds. A pass to Cody Baker was good for a first down at the Westview 40 and a pass to Hampton was good for two. Another pass to Baker was good for five more, but then Beau Baker sacked Crocker for a loss of 10. One final pass attempt was intercepted by Box to end the Stangs hopes of a tie game and overtime. The Chargers took a knee and won the game 41-33.
This Friday night, the Stangs will travel to Wright Field in Camden to take on the undefeated Lions in a big regional game. The Chargers will host Dresden (4-1, 1-1) in another regional game. Game time will be 7:30 for both squads.

By Ernie Smothers

Displaying power and precision, unbeaten and seventh-ranked Camden defeated Hollow Rock-Bruceton’s Tigers 49-14 in a non-regional battle last Friday night.
Camden, led by quarterback Brian Markham’s pinpoint passing (5 of 5 for 135 yards and one touchdown), Zach Brazell’s receiving and the running power of brothers Josh and Byron Boyd, fueled the Lions offensive machine. Lion defender Heath Yoder anchored their defense with 14 tackles.
Central’s offensive effort was led by Orey Willis with 214 yards and one touchdown. Defensive standouts were Chaz Barmore, Matt Floyd, Michael Hargrove and Kerry Hunt who played aggressively throughout the contest.
On Camden’s first offensive possession, the brothers Boyd made impressive runs, picking up back to back first downs. Markham passed to J. Boyd for a 42-yard gain, setting the stage for B. Boyd’s four-yard rush for the score at the 8:25 mark. Clay Carruth’s PAT was good and Camden held a 7-0 advantage.
Central’s first offensive possession utilized the running tandem of Ryan McMackin and Willis to move the ball past midfield into Lion territory. Central advanced to the 23 before the Lion defense stiffened. Tackles by Desmond Zollicoffer and Chris Turner held Central to a fourth and two situation. Chad Jordan was stopped just short of the 13, giving the Lions possession on downs.
Camden’s Markham connected with Brazzell for a 31-yard completion during the next Lion drive to advance the ball to the Tiger 27. A personal foul penalty against Central cost the Tigers an additional 15 yards, placing the ball at the 12. A quarterback sneak netted six yards, followed by J. Boyd’s rush for the score at the 10:41 mark of the second period. Carruth’s PAT kick was good and Camden now led 14-0.
Central was unable to move the ball on its next possession and was forced to punt.
Camden, beginning its next series at the Tiger 40 wasted little time finding pay dirt. Markham’s 39-yard pass to Brazzell advanced the ball to the Tiger one-yard line. Markham held and scored on the next play at the 8:20 mark. Carruth again kicked the PAT good and Camden now led 21-0.
Central’s offense responded with a strong ground attack. Willis broke loose for a 51-yard gain down to the Lion 21-yard line. Camden’s defense, aided by Yoder and Chris Turner, who each had tackles for a loss forced Central into a fourth and 15 situation at the Lion 26. Tiger quarterback Joe Wortham passed the ball which was tipped by a Lion defender at the goal line, but Hunt was able to catch the ball for the score. Lucas Young’s PAT was good to narrow the margin to 21-7.
Camden, relying heavily on J. Boyd’s rushing, methodically moved the ball past mid-field. Justin Leonard’s first down rush coupled with a 12-yard pass reception by Brazzell moved the ball to the Tiger 24. At the 1:48 mark, Markham threw a 24-yard scoring strike to Matthew Chandler. Carruth’s remained perfect and Camden now led 28-7 as intermission began.
The Marching Tigers and Marching Lions presented brilliant performances during intermission to the capacity home crowd.
Central’s Orey Willis unleashed a breathtaking 70-yard scoring run on the Tigers first play from scrimmage in the second half. Young continued with his perfect PAT streak with a successful kick, narrowing the Lion advantage to 28-14.
Central’s defense, aided by a personal foul by the Lions, turned up the heat. Markham was sacked and J. Boyd was held for a loss to force the first punt by the Lions.
Central’s offensive line opened holes in Camden’s defense, allowing McMackin and Willis room to move. Central mounted an impressive drive, pushing the ball deep into Lion territory. Play was briefly stopped by officials who warned the Camden fans to cease blowing whistles during Central’s possession. The whistles, which mimicked an official blowing a play dead, disrupted the Tigers offensive rhythm and they were out of sync. Ultimately the Tigers, unable to advance further, turned the ball over to Camden on downs at the Lion 19, ending a brilliant drive.
Camden, once again led by the Boyd brothers rushing abilities, steadily moved the ball down the field. With 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Yoder raced down the right sideline for a score. Carruth hit the PAT and Camden widened their lead to 35-14.
Camden, playing inspired defense, shut down the Tiger offense and forced the punt at the 22. With 10 men on the line, the Lions partially blocked Young’s punt and took over at the Tiger 30.
Yoder powered through the Tiger defense enroute to a score at the 10:42 mark of the final period. Carruth again hit the PAT and the score was 42-14, Camden.
Central, stymied by aggressive defensive play again turned the ball over, this time by fumble at the Lion six. The game’s final score occurred at the 8:18 mark as Lion running back Jonathan Crawley followed the Camden surge for the score. Carruth hit his seventh PAT of the night as Camden took a 49-14 lead.
The remainder of the game was primarily a defensive struggle. Central backup quarterback Tanner Stepp’s back to back pass completions to Hunt were impressive.
Central, 2-3 overall and 2-0 in regional play, travels to West Carroll for a huge regional showdown Friday night. Game time will be at 7:30 at War Eagle Stadium.

2004 Sports Archives:

01-07-04 01-14-04 01-21-04 01-28-04 02-04-04 02-11-04 02-18-04 02-25-04 03-03-04 03-10-04 03-17-04

03-24-04 03-31-04 04-07-04 04-14-04 04-21-04 04-28-04 05-05-04 05-12-04 05-19-04 05-26-04 06-02-04

06-09-04 06-16-04 06-23-04 06-30-04 07-07-04 07-14-04 07-21-04 07-28-04 08-04-04 08-11-04 08-18-04

08-25-04 09-01-04 09-08-04 09-15-04 09-22-04 09-29-04 10-06-04 10-13-04 10-20-04 10-27-04 11-03-04

11-10-04 11-17-04 11-24-04 12-01-04 12-08-04 12-15-04 12-22-04 12-29-04

2003 Sports Archives:

01-01-03 01-08-03 01-15-03 01-22-03 01-29-03 02-05-03 02-12-03 02-19-03 02-26-03 03-05-03 03-12-03

03-19-03 03-26-03 04-02-03 04-09-03 04-16-03 04-23-03 04-30-03 05-07-03 05-14-03 05-21-03 05-28-03

06-04-03 06-11-03 06-18-03 06-25-03 07-02-03 07-09-03 07-16-03 07-23-03 07-30-03 08-06-03 08-13-03

08-20-03 08-27-03 09-03-03 09-10-03 09-17-03 09-24-03 10-01-03 10-08-03 10-15-03 10-22-03 10-29-03

11-05-03 11-12-03 11-19-03 11-26-03 12-03-03 12-10-03 12-17-03 12-24-03 12-31-03

2002 Sports Archives:

01-02-02 01-09-02 01-16-02 01-23-02 01-30-02 02-06-02 02-13-02 02-20-02 02-27-02 03-06-02 03-13-02

03-20-02 03-27-02 04-03-02 04-10-02 04-17-02 04-24-02 05-01-02 05-08-02 05-15-02 05-22-02 05-29-02

06-05-02 06-12-02 06-19-02 06-26-02 07-03-02 07-10-02 07-17-02 07-24-02 07-31-02 08-07-02 08-14-02

08-21-02 08-28-02 09-04-02 09-11-02 09-18-02 09-25-02 10-02-02 10-09-02 10-16-02 10-23-02 10-30-02

11-06-02 11-13-02 11-20-02 11-27-02 12-04-02 12-11-02 12-18-02 12-25-02

2001 Sports Archives:

06-06-01 06-13-01 06-20-01 06-27-01 07-04-01 07-11-01

07-18-01 07-25-01 08-01-01 08-08-01 08-15-01 08-22-01

08-29-01 09-05-01 09-12-01 09-19-01 09-26-01 10-03-01

10-10-01 10-17-01 10-24-01 10-31-01 11-07-01 11-14-01

11-21-01 11-28-01 12-05-01 12-12-01 12-19-01 12-26-01