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2004 Loudon vs. Scott CountyRedskins Scalp Highlanders, 29-0 and Claim Their First ”W”Article by Jeff McQueen
This will be the 16th meeting between the Redskins (0-6) and Highlanders (3-3). Loudon holds a 13-2 margin in the series. The Highlanders schedule is back loaded; they play the “Big Three” the last three games of the season, good luck Scott High. After facing big name running backs all season (Jam Fine of Fulton, Albert Harris from A-E, and Dustin Latham with Sweetwater), would the Redskins be up for challenge posed by #44 Wesley Smith who leads East Tennessee in rushing after six games (967/141/6.9)? Mr. Smith had better be accounted for on every play. Captains for the Redskins were #24 Josh Hawkins, #80 Josh McQueen, & #81 Adam Russell. Loudon won the toss and wanted the ball. #24 Josh Hawkins returned the opening kick off nine yards, first and 10 Big Red on the 26 yard line. After a #7 Mark “T” Harrison run of five yards, and a -10 holding penalty, quarterback #32 Seth Lyle completed an eight yard pass to #3 Brandon Dixon. It’s now third down. Lyle threw incomplete, intended for Hawkins. Back in punt formation at the 26 yard line, the ball was snapped to the up back Josh Hawkins, who streamed up the right sideline for a 34 yard gain and a first down. Nine plays later, #4 Cody Fritts kicked a 25 yard field goal… its good! Opening the first drive of the game for a score motivated the Redskin defense. Scott gained just three yards in three plays; they were in punt formation on the 44 yard line. The rush was on, #84 Taylor Eldridge blocked the punt, #8 Tyler Campbell scooped and scored from the 28 yard line! With the snap by #79 John Paul Hackney, hold by #2 Wiley “P” Brakebill, and kick by #4 Cody Fritts; its now 10-0, Redskins! There’s 0:55 seconds left in the first quarter. It’s now early in the second period, #7 Scott QB Josh Terry completed a pass good for four yards. Back to pass again, safety #80 Josh McQueen picked off the Highlander’s pass. McQueen returned the interception 18 yards to the Scott 41 yard line. The Big Red offense went right to work, and turned the turn-over into points. QB Lyle scrambled for 30 yards, and Hawkins bulled over from the four yard line (kick failed). The kick-off went out of bounds; Scott took over on the 35 yard line. With 17 yards in two carries by Smith and two yards on a QB keeper, the Highlanders were on the move. Mr. Corry Fritts, #21, had something to say about that as QB Terry threw his second interception of the evening. Back in business on their own one yard line, the ‘Skin “O” moved into scoring position in 11 plays. #24 Josh Hawkins accounted for 83 yards on two carries. Hawkins drew up the defensive backs by faking a sweep, and then lofted a six yard halfback pass to #9 Jeremy Johnson for the Redskin touchdown (kick blocked). At the half, the ‘Skins are up 22 to zip. To start the second half, the Highlanders turned the ball over on downs, after a sack and a quarterback hurry by #81 Adam Russell. Loudon fumbled the football back on the next play. But to no avail, as #21 Corry Fritts posted his second interception, six plays later. Loudon quarterback #32 Seth Lyle threw the ball back to Scott; they started on the 36 yard line with 4:17 remaining in the third period. The ‘Skin defense settled down and stalled the Highlanders out on downs. In a drive that spanned the third and fourth stanzas, the Big Red “O” spawned a seven play drive that churned up 82 yards and ate 5:13 off of the clock. #3 Brandon “D” Dixon blasted in from the one yard line for the final score of the game (#4 Fritts kick). The “Big Red Wall” sealed the goal line, pitching their first shut out. Mr. Wesley Smith was contained to 104 yards on 19 attempts, way below his season average. The Redskin defensive backs victimized the Highlander quarterback for three interceptions, two of which were turned into points by the ‘Skin offense. Cornerback #21 Corry Fritts hawked two balls, while safety #80 Josh McQueen grabbed the other one. #81 Adam Russell caused a fumble, recorded a sack, and posted two QB hurries from his defensive end position. Seth Lyle was impressive in his first start, filling in for the injured Cody Fritts (shoulder). Lyle was 2 of 5 for 22 yards passing, with one INT; he also rushed for 46 yards. All-in-all, a very satisfying total team victory, as the Redskins ruined the Highlander’s homecoming festivities. The Final score was 29 to zero, Redskins.
The Loudon “War Party” will be hosting the final home game of the 2004 season on October 15th. It will be Senior Night, as the Kingston Yellow Jackets swarm into “Coach “Chig” Ratledge Stadium, home of Dukes Field”. Game time is at 7:30 pm. |