Hoppers vs. Polk County

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

                      1st       2nd       3rd      4th      Final 
Loudon Hoppers          0         0         0       14         14
Polk Co. Wildcats       6         6         0        0         12

Representing the Big Red Hoppers for the coin toss were Captains #43 Rodger “Red Shoes” Wadell and #57 Parker Ammons. Loudon won the coin toss and wanted the football.

For three quarters it was all Wildcats. Then in the fourth period">

 

Hoppers vs. Polk County

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

                      1st       2nd       3rd      4th      Final 
Loudon Hoppers          0         0         0       14         14
Polk Co. Wildcats       6         6         0        0         12

Representing the Big Red Hoppers for the coin toss were Captains #43 Rodger “Red Shoes” Wadell and #57 Parker Ammons. Loudon won the coin toss and wanted the football.

For three quarters it was all Wildcats. Then in the fourth period, a seven play drive ended with a touchdown. #35 Jack “The Ironman” Nichols II scored from the two. The clock showed 7:51 and the scoreboard read 12-6.

The Hopper defense got a stop, but the offense stalled out and punted. There was 2:04 left in the game. After a couple of plays, Polk Co. had run the clock down to about 1:25. On the next play, the ball squirts loose and is pounced on by #34 Jordan Davis. First and 10 Loudon Hoppers! The football is on the 24 yard line with 1:08 left in the game. Jack “The Ironman” Nichols II rushes for four yards and #21 “Double J” Joshua “Action” Jackson adds three more. Then after a good fake, QB #39 Travis Brewer takes off wide down the right sideline for 16 yards. With the ball resting on the two yard line, The Ironman powers over for the score! The game is now tied; if the Hoppers convert they win, if they get stopped short - it’s on to overtime. The Hoppers run up to the line, three yards separate them from victory. The ball is snapped; Nichols II takes the handoff and would not be denied!!! Loudon goes ahead 14-12! There’s still 12 seconds to spare.

Outstanding defenders were #24 Brandon “Newt” Burnette with seven tackles, #34 Jordan Davis posted six stops, and #71 Mason Mustin had five knock downs.

Rushing accounted for 185 yards on 32 attempts for two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion.

In one of the most exciting games of the season, the Hoppers (4-4) come from behind and are victorious 14-12.

         Stats:
         1st Downs: 8
         Fumbles: 3
         Penalties: 4 for -35 yards
         #35 Jack “The Ironman” Nichols II: (15) carries for 56 yds,
             (2) TD’s, (1) 2-pt. conv, and (3) tackles                                                      
         #21 “Double J” Joshua “Action” Jackson: (10) carries for
              104 yds, and (5) tackles                                                              
         #34 Jordan Davis: (2) carries for 7 yds, (6) tackles, and (1)
             fumble recovery                          
         #54 Caleb Green: (1) carry for 4 yds and (4) tackles
         #39 Travis Brewer: (3) carries for 13 yds, 0 for 6 passing 
             and (1) INT                            
         #47 Macklyn “The Mac Attack” Russell: (1) carry for 1 yd
             and (3) tackles                                                                                    
         #43 Rodger “Red Shoes” Waddell: (1) tackle        
         #24 Brandon “Newt” Burnette: (7) tackles
         #88 Zack “Unit 2” Mashburn: (3) tackles
         #87 Jacob “Unit 1” Mashburn: (2) tackles      
         #45 Anthony Johnson: (2) tackles
         #71 Mason Mustin: (5) tackles
         #14 Toby Watts: (3) tackles
         #79 Chase Lane: (1) tackle
         #90 Jesse Burchfield: (3) tackles
         #3  Cody “Codemister” Renfro: (2) tackles