2004 Loudon vs. Lenoir City

Redskins Fall to Panthers in the “Battle of the Bridge”, 0-34

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

This is the 10th “Battle of the Bridge”, with Loudon leading in that new series 6-3. 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 visitors run the ceremonial game ball all the way to the host school. The game ball is then used for the opening kick off and is then retired until next year’s contest. A big roar rose from the visiting Redskin fans as LHS students Ryan Queen and Will Guider shared the honors of running the ceremonial game ball into the stadium.

Also the schools compete in a food drive to benefit the “Good Samaritan Center”, with locations in Loudon and Lenoir City. The Panthers won the food drive with 32,784 pounds (27.9 pounds per capita) verses 15,360 pounds (22.32 pounds per capita) for the Redskins. The real winners are the families of Loudon County who will benefit from these efforts. With 48,144 #’s collected this game, 33,000 #’s in 2003, and 18,935 #’s in 2002 brings the three year total to 100,079 pounds of food! Great job both schools.

The home standing Lenoir City Panthers have had a surprising season. Winning four straight games, including a 21-6 victory over the Fulton Falcons, the defending 3A State Champions; had the Panthers ranked in the top 10. Then a four game tail-spin dropped them to 4-4. Avenging last year’s 35-7 loss to Anderson Co., L.C. pinned a 24-9 defeat on the Mavs. So coming into this “Battle of the Bridge” contest with lots of momentum, the ‘Cats are out to avenge last year’s 35-10 defeat at the hands of the ‘Skins.

The Loudon Redskins have had a long season full of close losses and near wins. That frustration spilled out onto the playing field during the Gibbs game last week. After the melee, the TSSAA reviewed the game film, reinstated one player and ejected two others. All told 13 players and one assistant coach were ejected and ineligible for this contest. This included five starters and several major contributors.

On Wednesday, the final practice in full pads, the seniors participated in the “Last Tackle” drill. Head Coach Jeff Harig described each senior… saying they were small in number but large in heart, and he related a highlight or an attribute about each of the senior player’s Redskin career. The rest of the team formed a gauntlet, and then one by one, each senior ran full speed down the tunnel of teammates and plowed into a tackling dummy. It was an emotional time for everyone. Redskin seniors playing their last game are: #27 Keith Townson, #40 Kyle Makowski, #54 Kyle Tallent, #80 Joshua McQueen, #81 Adam Russell, and #86 Jesse Henry.

Following the walk-through and kicking game practice under the lights on Thursday evening, a bon fire and pep rally was held. A large crowd of parents, students, and fans were on hand. Mr. Ricky Wiggins, of the Redskins Football Booster Club, emceed the rally with lots of help from Miss Haun and the Cheerleaders and Mr. Holley with the Pep Band. An open mike was offered to anyone who wanted to speak. All the senior football players and the “Dirty Dozen” had some interesting things to say to name a few. Since there was no school the next day (Friday), most everyone lingered to savor the moment a little longer.

Captains for the Redskins were #27 Keith Townson, #54 Kyle Tallent, #80 Joshua McQueen, & #81 Adam Russell. The Panthers won the toss and deferred until the second half.

#32 Seth Lyle returned the opening kick off 14 yards, up to the 17 yard line. First and 10 Redskins. The Loudon offense earned a first down on the running of #34 Charlie Hampton and QB #32 Seth Lyle. However, the ‘Skins failed to convert on third down and three, and punted.

Lenoir City returned the punt 14 yards, and set up shop on the 46 yard line. The fullback #2 Chris Cousins was stuffed on the first play by Redskin nose guard #53 Jimmy McQueen. Linebacker #3 Brandon Dixon grounded #23 Rommel Hightower after a short gain. It’s now third and eight, the pass by lefty QB #3 Zack Cusick falls incomplete.

The Panther punt goes into the end zone for a touchback. Starting on the 20 yard line, disaster strikes on the first play, as the Redskins cough up the football.

Taking over on the Redskin 16 yard line, the Panthers had an excellent scoring opportunity. #53 Jimmy McQueen and #27 Keith Townson had something to say about that, as they rallied the Big Red Wall holding the Panthers to seven yards in three tries. Settling for a #9 Ben Cumberland 26 yard field goal, Lenoir City drew first blood.

Seth Lyle was again on the receiving end of the kick off, a 22 yard return set up the ‘Skins on the 25 yard line with 4:03 left in the first quarter. Rushing for a first down on the combined efforts of #34 Charlie Hampton and QB #32 Seth Lyle, the Big Red appeared to be on the move. #7 Mark “P” Harrison gained a yard on a counter play. Then fumble-idus struck again.

The valiant Red Clad defenders dug in. Stops by senior defensive end #81 Adam Russell and senior safety #80 Josh McQueen forced Lenoir City into down and distance trouble. Back to pass, QB Cusick was picked off by #7 Mark Harrison!

That interception by Harrison thwarted the Panther scoring opportunity and gave the football back to the redskin offense on their own six yard line. #8 freshman Tyler Campbell gained eight yards, but the Redskins punted from the 12 yard line.

Taking over on the Loudon 38 yard line, the Panthers again had excellent field position. Two incomplete passes and a stop by #79 John Paul Hackney caused L.C. to punt.

Loudon returned the favor and went three and out.

Starting in Redskin territory, the Panthers put the ball in play on the 42 yard line. #54 Kyle Tallent and #80 Josh McQueen pounded the L.C. ball carriers. Forced to go to the air, QB Cusick connected with #12 Jesse Johnson for a 30 yard touchdown pass (Cumberland kick).

After the kick off, Redskin QB Lyle was picked off by #22 Lincoln Walters. #23 Hightower got loose and scampered in for a 21 yard touchdown (Cumberland kick). In lightning quick fashion, the Panthers rack up 14 points in 0:13 seconds and go into the locker room, leading 17-0.

To start the second half, Lenoir City came out throwing. After a -1 yard rush by Cusick, he dropped back to set up a screen pass. A rushing #53 Jimmy McQueen batted down the ball. On the next play, Cusick was intercepted by #27 Keith Townson.

Loudon couldn’t get anything going offensively and punted. Lenoir City was three and out, and punted. The Redskins followed suite and punted again.

The Panthers started on their own 48 yard line. A pass break up by safety #80 Josh McQueen and a stop by #54 Kyle Tallent had L.C. facing third and five. Coming through the line Hightower was hammered, causing a fumble. Coming up with that loose football was #27 Keith Townson.

First and ten Redskins, with the ball resting on the Panther’s 49 yard line. Back to pass, QB Lyle connects with #9 Jeremy Johnson for a 34 yard gain. After an incomplete pass, Lyle and Hampton combine for six rushing yards. It’s now fourth down and four from the Panther nine yard line. Out comes the field goal team. The Redskins line up in the “Swinging Gate” formation. The holder, #2 Wiley Brakebill calls out the play. The center, #55 Tyler Roberts hikes the ball to #3 Brandon Dixon. With blockers out in front, Dixon is fighting for yardage. The unthinkable occurs, out pops the ball. There to scoop it up was #11 Sam Bivens, who rumbles 85 yards for the Lenoir City score (Cumberland kick).

The Panthers execute an on sides kick, drive down, and kick a 39 yard Ben Cumberland field goal. Also in the fourth period, #29 Andrew White completes the scoring on a 10 yard carry.

On the last series, Redskin freshman #15 Blake McNew directs the attack at the quarterback position. A 10 play drive starts on the 20 yard line, and as time expires in the game, the ‘Skins were in Panther territory at the 31 yard line.

A salute goes out to the loudonfootball.com player of the game, senior Redskin wide receiver/defensive back #27 Keith Townson. Playing the best game of his Redskin career, Townson was captain for this game, caught a pass, recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass, and logged 6 tackles. Congratulations Keith Townson!

The Final score was 34 to zero, Panthers.

The top Redskin tacklers this season (as provided by Coach Harig) are:
• #80 Josh McQueen: (80) tackles
• #7 Mark “P” Harrison: (51) tackles
• #81 Adam Russell: (51) tackles
• #86 Jesse Henry: (51) tackles
• #21 Cory Fritts: (44) tackles
• #84 Taylor Eldridge: (43) tackles
• #3 Brandon Dixon: (41) tackles

LHS
• Rushing: 43 carries for 137 yards
  • #34 Charlie Hampton: 18 rushes for 66 yds
  • #8 Tyler Campbell: 9 rushes for 41 yds
  • #3 Brandon Dixon: 2 rushes for 5 yds
  • #7 Mark “P” Harrison: 4 rushes for 3 yds
  • #32 Seth Lyle: 8 rushes for 22 yds
  • #15 Blake McNew: 2 rushes for 0 yds
• Passing: 3 of 10 for 35 yds, and (1) INT (QB #32 Seth Lyle) 0 of 1 (half back pass, Campbell)
  • #34 Charlie Hampton: 1 catch for -2 yds
  • #27 Keith Townson: 1 catch for 3 yds
  • #9 Jeremy Johnson: 1 catch for 34 yds
• Misc:
  • #32 Seth Lyle: (4) K-O returns for 74 yds
  • #7 Mark “T” Harrison: (4) tackles and (1) INT
  • #8 Tyler Campbell: (1) INT
  • #80 Josh McQueen: (8) tackles
  • #81 Adam Russell: (5) tackles
  • #54 Kyle Tallent: (4) tackles
  • #53 Jimmy McQueen: (2) tackles and (1) blocked pass
  • #3 Brandon Dixon: (5) tackles
  • #27 Keith Townson: (6) tackles, (1) INT, and (1) fumble recovery
• 1st Downs: 8
• Penalties: 2 for -15 yards
• Punts: 7 for 199 yds, a 28.8 yd avg
• Fumbles: 3, lost 3

Lenoir City Panthers:
• Rushing: 33 carries for 183 yds and (2) TD’s
  • #23 Rommel Hightower: 20 carries for 73 yds and (1) TD
  • #2 Chris Cousins: 7 carries for 34 yds
  • #29 Andrew White: 3 carries for 20 yds and (1) TD
  • #11 Sam Bivens: 1 carry for 55 yds
  • #3 Zack Cusick: 1 carry for -1 yd
• Passing: 1 of 10 for 30 yds, (1) TD, & (3) INT’s (QB #3 Zack Cusick)
  • #12 Jesse Johnson: 1 catch for 30 yds and (1) TD
• Misc:
  • #11 Sam Bivens: scooped and scored, 85 yards
  • #9 Ben Cumberland: (4) extra point kicks + (2) field goals of 26 & 39 yds respectively
• 1st Downs: 8
• Penalties: 3 for -16 yards
• Punts: 3 for 133 yds, a 44.3 avg
• Fumbles: 2, lost 1

Here at loudonfootball.com we strive to provide you with the best Redskin football coverage possible, we hope you have enjoyed this season! Rex Mingie - webmaster and publisher, Jamie Graves - photographer, and Jeff McQueen - contributing editor. See you next season.