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Hoppers vs. Polk County - 2003 PlayoffsArticle by Jeff McQueen Hoppers 18 - Polk County 6
The Hoppers (10-0) are the #1 seed and hosted the #4 seed Polk Co. Wildcats (7-3), the game was held at the Sequoyah High School at 11:00 am. In week 8, our Loudon Hoppers defeated the Wildcats by the score of six to nothing. Except for that close call, no one else has even come close to defeating Head Coach Matlock's squad. The Hoppers won the toss and wanted the ball! The game started with the Hoppers a little tight, a fumble occurred on the first offensive play. Tackle, #79 Jefferson McQueen alertly pounced on the loose ball. Things settled down and a 10 play drive culminated with a two yard plunge by #39 Caleb Russell. The Polk "D" denied the conversion attempt. With 3:23 left in the first quarter, the Hoppers lead six to zip. The "Big Red" defense frustrated the Wildcats all day. The first two offensive series by Polk Co. resulted in a fumble recovery by #8 Sam Eldridge and a three and out punt. Back on the move, #36 Trey Townsend rambled for 41 yards. #55 Marshall Lynn set the tone on the offensive and defensive lines. Later in the same series, a half back pass by #39 Caleb Russell to #83 Taylor "The Brewster" Watson was good for a 19 yard touchdown. An end around by #8 Sam Eldridge, was stopped short on the 2-pt. conversion. At the half, the Hoppers take a 12 to nothing cushion into the locker room. In the second half, the Hoppers and 'Cats swapped fumbles with each other. However when #71 Alex "The Kingpin" Silvey (of the Silvy Mafia) got the take-a-way to give the ball back to the offense, the Hoppers capitalized on this turnover. A nine play drive, taking over five minutes off the clock, climaxed in a 20 yard touchdown by #20 Brandon Tallent. With the score now 18-0, Coach Matlock got some of the younger players into the game. Polk Co. managed a score late in the fourth period. The offensive player of the game was #36 Trey Townsend, #39 Caleb Russell earned defensive honors. The Hoppers had 278 yards rushing on 41 carries and (2) TD's; and one pass completion for 19 yards and (1) TD. Total offense was 297 yards. The Loudon Hoppers (11-0) keep their undefeated season intact, with only the Championship Game left. The Championship Game, will feature the undefeated Loudon Hoppers (11-0) vs. the Riceville Wildcats (9-2). Loudon defeated Riceville, 18-0, in week #5. Polk Co. will host the Championship Game.
Final score, 18-6, Loudon Hoppers (11-0).
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