|
|
Loudon vs. Lenoir City 2003Redskins Halt Two Game L.C. Streak, Prey on the Panthers 35-10Article by Jeff McQueen For Battle of the Bridge Pep Rally coverage, click here.
The 2003 edition of the "Battle of the Bridge" features two evenly matched teams. With their 5-4 (2-4 Region) record, the Lenoir City Panthers rolled into Dukes Field. The Loudon Redskins sport a 3-6 (2-4 Region) record and are coming off a big victory last week against Gibbs, 50-7. The Panthers on the other hand, took one on the chin last week against Anderson Co., to the tune of 35-7. Tonight is the 76th meeting between these two schools. The Redskins hold a 39-36 edge in this heated rivalry. This is the ninth "Battle of the Bridge", with Loudon leading in that new series 5-3. A traveling trophy and banner were added to the winnings, with the victor retaining possession until next year's game. The festivities are officially underway when the visiting team runs the ceremonial game ball all the way to the host school. This game ball is used for the first kickoff and then retired until next year's "Battle". Also, the schools now compete in a food drive (this will be the third year) to benefit the "Good Samaritan Center", which now has locations in Loudon and Lenoir City. The Redskins won the food drive last year, over 19,000 lbs of food was collected to help families in Loudon County. The LHS Captains were: #63 Lee Sarten, #52 Matt Brown, #31 Chris Hutchens, and #11 Jordan Hardin. Loudon won the toss and deferred until the second half. #15 Yoni Espinoza's kickoff carried down to the goal line. #1 Corey Summey returned it 27 yards. Three and out, the "Big Red Wall" forced a L.C. punt. On the second offensive play, #1 Patric Johnson drew first blood with a 65 yard touchdown! The clock shows 9:21 left in the first quarter. With #15 Yoni Espinoza's PAT, the score is 7-0, Redskins. Lenoir City was forced to punt...again. Back in business, the 'Skin offense put together a nice nine play drive totaling 79 yards. Quarterback #4 Cody Fritts hooked up with #7 Chase Randolph on a 24 yard pitch and catch. Going the distance, #24 Josh Hawkins danced, twisted, surged, and reversed his field in route to a 49 yard touchdown! The Espinoza kick was wide left. Good down field blocking by #80 Josh McQueen sprung both of these long touchdown runs.With the score 13-0, Redskins; the first period comes to a close. The Panthers squandered two "Red Zone" scoring opportunities in the second period. Penalites and a sack by blitzing safety, #80 Josh McQueen derailed the Panther Express. After L.C. had earlier unsuccessfully faked a field goal, they settled for a #9 Ben Cumberland field goal from 23 yards out. At the half, the redskins lead 13-3. More good news at halftime, the Redskins were victorious in the food drive competion. Over 30,000 lbs of food was donated... good job both schools! The second half started with the Redskins receiving the kickoff. The Panthers stiffened, forcing a 'Skin punt. L.C. got started on the 12, and drove up to the 48 yard line. Facing fourth down, the Panthers were in punt formation. The fake punt didn't fool anyone, first and 10 Redskins, ball on the Loudon 48 yard line. One play later the route was on! #24 Josh Hawkins ripped off a 52 yard strike for a Redskin touchdown. Holder #7 Chase Randolph, took off around the right end to go un-touched in the end zone for the 2-pt. conversion. Lenoir Ciry spent the rest of the second half bogged down, punting, or trying to convert on fourth down. #1 Patric Johson and #24 Hawkins added scores on runs of nine and 55 yards respectly. #15 Yoni Espinoza's posted the PAT's. J.V. and freshman played most of the fourth stanza. The Panthers managed a meaningless score late in the game. The Redskins (4-6) finish the season with a Big Win against arch rival, Lenoir City, 35-10! Head Coach Harig provided the following defensive stats (through the Gibbs game): The top five tacklers are:
Next up for the Redskins will be the Football Banquet on the second or third Saturday in January (TBA), the "Chig Ratledge Lift-a-Thon", and spring practice 2004.
Here at loudonfootball.com we strive to provide you with the best Redskin coverage possible, I hope you have enjoyed this season. Rex Mingie - webmaster, Jamie Graves - photographer, and Jeff McQueen - contributing editor. See you next season.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
