The Hoppers started out on offense. Four downs netted six yards against a tough Wildcat defense. Riceville was driving, #92 Josh Taylor recovered a fumble, first and 10 Hoppers. A 15 play drive ate up a lot of clock, but did not yield any points. Our “D” was at it again, two straight pass break-ups, and that ball is lying on the ground again. #54 Zack Johnson (of “Team Johnson”) pounces on the loose ball. Loudon was unable to capitalize on either of these turnovers, as the first half ended scoreless.
To start the second half, R’ville was on offense, they were stopped on downs. On the Hoppers first offense play, disaster struck, the ball was fumbled and recovered by the Wildcats. Back on “D”, it looked like the ’Cats were gaining an advantage. However, solid play by #20 Brandon Tallent, #36 Jake “The Monster Man” Mourfield, and #22 Taylor Morris shut down Rice on fourth and short. This opportunity allowed the Hopper offensive line to open up a hole for #20 Brandon Tallent to scoot through, in route to the only score of the day, a 34 yard touchdown! This was the first play of the fourth quarter. The Hopper defense protected their slim advantage on the scoreboard, thwarting every Wildcat advance. We’re not used to such close Hopper games. 30 rushes for 218 yards and one touchdown powered the victory.
Stats:
1st Downs: 7
Penalties: 2 for -10 yards
Fumbles: lost 0
#36 Jake “The Snake” Mourfield: (6) carries for 21 yds, (8) tackles, and a pass
break up
#20 Brandon Tallent: (17) carries for 100 yards, (1) TD,
(7) tackles, and a pass break up
#39 Ryan McNabb: (3) carries for 6 yds and (9) tackles
(made 3 tackles in a row, forcing a Rice punt)
#3 Justin Franklin: (1) carry for 1 yd and (3) tackles
#92 Josh Taylor: recovered a fumble
#2 Michael “The Hitman” Coggins: (4) tackles
#22 Taylor Morris: (4) tackles
#14 Cody Morris: (2) tackles
#54 Zack Johnson (of “Team Johnson”): (2) tackles & a
fumble recovery
