HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
Whitwell is coming off a season in which they were eliminated from the TSSAA Class 1A Playoffs in round two. After losing a strong senior class, the Tigers entered the new season with plenty of questions to answer. Unfortunately, their inexperience showed on Friday night, resulting in a 24-14 loss in their season opener.
Huntland came out hot, marching down the field before a penalty slowed their momentum. The Hornets came away empty-handed on the opening drive, handing the ball over to the Tigers. The first half saw both teams trading possessions, but it was Huntland who struck first after a bad snap led to a safety. They added to their lead later with a 26-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-5. At halftime, Whitwell trailed 10-0.
Midway through the third quarter, Charlie French got the Tigers on the board with a three-yard rushing touchdown. However, less than a minute later, the Hornets responded with a 64-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 17-7. The Tigers answered quickly, as senior Talan Beason connected with fellow senior Adam McDougal for a 43-yard touchdown pass. McDougal made a defender miss before taking it the rest of the way.
In the fourth quarter, Gabe Ross came up with a big interception, returning it to the 20-yard line. Whitwell had a prime opportunity to tie the game but was unable to pick up a first down. With the game on the line, the Tigers’ kick was just off the mark. Huntland maintained possession for the remainder of the game and sealed the win with a late touchdown with under a minute left.
It was a learning experience for the Tigers in Week One—something to be expected after losing so many key players. However, Whitwell will need to grow quickly, as the next two weeks feature matchups against Bledsoe County and TSSAA Class 2A defending State Champion Marion County.
Despite the loss, Whitwell led the stat sheet in nearly every category. The Tigers committed only three penalties, forced four turnovers, and held the edge in other areas. This was simply a case of missed opportunities.
Stats: Adam McDougal- 5REC, 112YDS, 1 TD
Talan Beason- 7/16 passing, 99YDS, 1 TD
Brody Harvey- 7TKLS, 1 fumble recovery, 66 Rush YDS
Photos by Kristie Eggert