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2003 Indians Championships: Loudon vs. Polk CountyIndians 18 - Polk County 22Article by Jeff McQueen
The Polk Co. Wildcats (7-4) hosted the #2 seed Loudon Indians (9-2), the game was held at the old Polk Co. High School. The Indians defeated Polk Co., 22-14 earlier in the season, in week No. 8. The Loudon Indians wore the LHS JV white jerseys, and switched to the visitors side of the field. A bit flat would be an understatement, where were the Warriors that completely dismantled the Riceville Wildcats the week before? The first half was all Polk Co., although the scoreboard showed the visiting Indians as being down only 16-0. That second Wildcat score came on an interception returned for a 70 yard touchdown. The second half proved more fruitful, Loudon kicked off. Hustling down to recover the kickoff was #80 Zach Taylor. First and 10, Indians. Although they failed to capitalize on this turnover, a spark was ignited. The Indian “D” forced a Wildcat punt. From there, a seven play drive was started with a 16 yard pass completion from #10 Blake Cosner to #6 Tyler Campbell. The climax of the drive was a #11 Jessie Booth five yard power play for the first Indian touchdown of the day. The 2-pt. conversion pass attempt to #86 Jordan Purdy fell incomplete. Missed opportunities on extra points would prove costly as the game progressed. The Indian defense was again up to the task and stopped Polk Co. on downs. Eight plays later, #6 Tyler Campbell finessed a nine yard touchdown. Again the conversion was stopped short of the goal line. The score in now 16-12, Polk County, the clock shows 3:05 left in the fourth quarter. Now we have a gall game.The Wildcats score on their next possession, making the score 22 to 12. Time is now becoming a factor. Loudon drives down to the 24 yard line. Quarterback #10 Blake Cosner pulls off a good play fake and then throws the ball over everyone’s head to a waiting #16 Dain McNabb. Touchdown, Loudon Indians! Only 20.2 seconds remain in the game. The Indians attempt an on-sides kick, Polk Co. recovered it. As they take a knee, the clock expires, giving the home standing #4 seed Polk Co. Wildcats the Championship. The final score is 22-18. Although he was proud of the team’s never say never attitude, Head Coach Archie Cosner broke the game down to giving up that one big play (Int) and failing to convert on extra points. The offensive player of the game was #24 Tyler Campbell, #3 Ben Everett was awarded the defensive player of the game honors. The Indians had 155 yards rushing on 33 carries for (2) TD's; and 4 of 11 passing for 75 yards and (1) TD. Total offense was 230 yards, plus 18 yards of kick-off returns.
Final score, 22-18, Polk Co. Wildcats (10-2).
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