2003 Mustangs Championships: Loudon vs. Etowah

Mustangs 30 - Etowah 0

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

The #1 seed Mustangs (9-2) hosted the Etowah Knights (9-2). The game was held at the old Polk Co. High School. The Knights defeated the Mustangs 20-6 in week No. 4. The Mustangs were conference runners-up last season that left a bad taste in their mouths and unfinished business for this season. They were out to avenge that early season loss and to win the league Championship… that was on the minds of every player and coach.

The 'Stangs came out of the shoot on fire! they scored on their first three possessions in the first half. The Loudon defensive wall frustrated the Knights all day; stopping them on downs, #39 Jeffery Nichols recovered a fumble, and time ran out in the first half to deny Etowah access to the score board. On the offensive front, #27 Wade Plemons scored from 36 yards out, #10 Nick Brown added a four yard touchdown, and #4 Zack Franklin threw a 16 yard TD pass to #20 Luke Newman. All three 2-pt. conversions were posted by #27 Wade Plemons. At the half, the Mustangs had built up a cushion of 24 to nothing.

The Loudon Mustangs were forced to punt after receiving the second half kickoff. On their third offensive play, the Knights fumbled, #55 David Lee "The Dozer" Haskins came up with the loose ball. From there, the Mustangs put together a nine play drive and scored on a one yard sneak by quarterback #4 Zack Franklin. That would be the ballgame, as the 'Stangs take the victory early in the fourth quarter! The final score was 30-0, Loudon Mustangs. The offensive player of the game was #27 Wade Plemons, #55 David Lee "The Dozer" Haskins earned the defensive honors. The Mustangs had 180 yards rushing on 35 carries for (3) TD's and (3) 2-pt. conversions; and two pass completions for 34 yards and (1) TD. Total offense was 214 yards. A very fired-up Head Coach, Scott Newman was hoarse by half time as he urged the team on. A very satisfying total team victory capped off a great Mustang (10-2) season.

General Stats:
• 1st Downs: 13
• Penalties: 4 for -25 yards
• Fumbles: 0

Offense:
• #10 Nick Brown: 4 carries for 24 yards and 1 reception for 18 yards
• #27 Wade Plemons: 21 carries for 113 yards, (1) TD, (3) 2-pt. convs
• #20 Luke Newman: 1 reception for 16 yards and (1) TD
• #4 Zack Franklin: 3 carries for 12 yards and 2 of 2 passing for 34 yards & (1) TD
• #3 Jake Brown: 7 carries for 31 yards

Defense:
• #54 Alex Lennex: 3 tackles
• #55 David Lee Haskins: 6 tackles and a fumble recovery
• #7 Eric Newman: 2 tackles
• #27 Wade Plemons: 3 tackles and a tackle for a 14 yard loss
• #39 Jeffery Nichols: 4 tackles and a fumble recovery
• #6 Josh Thompson: 2 tackles
• #66 Hayden Cash: 1 tackle
• #23 Cody Choate: 2 tackles
• #5 Mathew Wallace: 5 tackles
• #4 Zack Franklin: 2 tackles
• #3 Jake Brown: 3 tackles
• #20 Luke Newman: 2 tackles
• #72 Brandon Whitfield: 1 tackle

Final score, 30-0, Loudon Mustangs (10-2).