2004 Loudon vs. Walker Valley

Loudon 8 - Walker Valley 23

Article by Jeff McQueen
Photos by Jammie Graves

On Friday, August 27th, the Loudon Redskins traveled down to Walker Valley High School to tangle with the Mustangs in the season opener for both schools. Loudon defeated the ‘Stangs last season (’03, 27-13) in their only previous meeting. For the 2005 season, the TSSAA has re-classified Walker Valley to 4A (enrollment of 1114), while Loudon drops down to 2A (enrollment of 644). Each Redskin’s football helmet is adorned with two jersey numbers… #11 for Jordan Hardin, who died in a motorcycle accident this past summer, and #52 the number of slain Loudon Co. Sheriff Deputy Jason Scott (LHS, 1998), who died in the line of duty.

True freshman #8 Tyler Campbell fielded the opening kick off on the 13 yard line and rambled up to the 31 yard line. First and ten, Big Red! The first offense play looked like a #24 Josh Hawkins sweep to the right, instead he pulled up and fired a halfback pass to #21 Corry Fritts that was good for 31 yards. The next two running plays yielded -15 yards. The Fritts to Fritts pitch and catch was on the money for 21 yards, however the ‘Skins failed to convert and turned the ball over on downs. The Mustangs drove down the field, and pounded the ball to the eight yard line. A big play by #53 Jimmy McQueen stopped the ball carrier for no gain, and #84 Taylor Eldridge blocked a pass attempt effectively sealing the goal line. Walker Valley settled for a 25 yard field goal. The Red Skins fumbled the ball back to Walker on the fourth play of the next drive. The Mustangs started on the 39 yard line and wasted little time, going the distance in only three plays. On the ensuing kick-off, #8 Campbell had trouble handling the ball and was tackled on the one yard line. The Big Red was forced to punt from their own end zone. #4 Cody Fritts’ punt was downed on the 25 yard line. With the short field, the Mustangs padded their score with seven more points. With 8:52 left in the half, and down 17 points, the ‘Skins embarked on a 16 play drive that ate up the clock, but ended up on the one yard line, short of the goal line. That drive is what the coaches, and fans, expect to see from the Red Skins this season; ball control offense, solid rushing, mixing in the pass, and converting on third down, but culminating in touchdowns.

On to the third quarter. Walker Valley took the second half kick off and drove down the field. Good defensive play by #53 Jimmy McQueen kept the “Stangs at bay; they tried a 27 yard field goal that was wide left. However Walker did find the goal line with 3:13 left in the 3rd period, but the extra point was blocked by #80 Josh McQueen. The score is now 23 to zero, Mustangs. Another great defensive play was when #80 McQueen jarred the ball loose with a hard tackle, #7 Mark “T” Harrison alertly pounced on the loose ball. Loudon put together a nine play drive that stalled out on downs. Walker couldn’t get anything going either and was back in punt formation. The partially blocked punt was scooped up by #51 Clay Matlock as he raced 32 yards to pay dirt! Let’s set up the conversion attempt; the play is called "The Swinging Gate." #55 Tyler Roberts was center, #2 Wiley Brakebill was lined up as the holder; the rest of the team was lined up about 12 yards to the left. This alignment confused and bewildered the Mustangs, as they just stood there. Brakebill called the play, Roberts picked up the ball and pitched it to #3 Brandon Dixon, who went around the left side untouched for the 2-point conversion. That’s how it would end, 23 to 8, Walker Valley.

LHS
• Rushing: 34 carries for 73 yards
  • #24 Josh Hawkins: 15 rushes for 58 yards
  • #34 Charlie Hampton: 3 rushes for 12 yards
  • #7 Mark “T” Harrison: 6 rushes for 6 yards
  • #3 Brandon Dixon: 3 carries for 3 yards and a 2-pt. conversion
  • #4 Cody Fritts: 6 carries for -3 yards
  • #8 Tyler Campbell (freshman): 1 carry for -2 yards and an 18 yard kick off return
• Passing: 6 of 14 for 84 yards
  • #4 Cody Fritts: 5 of 13 for 53 yards
  • #24 Josh Hawkins: 1 of 1 for 31 yards (Half back pass)
  • #21 Corry Fritts: 2 receptions for 52 yards
  • #3 Brandon Dixon: 2 receptions for 23 yards
  • #24 Josh Hawkins: 2 receptions for 9 yards
• 1st Downs: 8
• Fumbles: 2, lost 1
• Punts: 2 for 59 yards (29.5 avg)
• Penalties: 6 for -50 yards
• Misc:
  • #80 Josh McQueen: a blocked extra point, caused a fumble, and several tackles
  • # 81 Adam Russell: a tackle for no gain
  • #51 Clay Matlock: returned a blocked punt 32 yards for a TD
  • #53 Jimmy McQueen: 2 tackles for no gain
  • #84 Taylor Eldridge: blocked a pass attempt
  • #7 Mark “T” Harrison: recovered a fumble
  • #44 Mathew Packett: solid LB play, grabbed a runner by the back of his shoulder pads and threw him to the ground

Walker Valley
• Rushing: 45 carries for 247 yds, 3 TD’s, & kicked (2) extra points
• Passing: 1 of 4 for 10 yds and (0) INT’s
• Misc: (1) Field Goal of 25 yds
• 1st Downs: 14
• Fumbles: 2, lost 1
• Punts: 2 for 34 yards (1 blocked and returned for a TD)
• Penalties: 5 for -34 yards

The Redskins will host the Anderson Co. Mavericks this Friday (9-3) at 7:30 pm at Dukes Field.