SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
South Pittsburg dipped into 4A competition last Friday, coming away with a 31-7 victory over Red Bank.
Dayon Cooper opened the scoring for the Pirates with a 1-yard run. Then, with under a minute left in the first quarter, Connor Phillips nailed a 32-yard field goal to make it 10-0.
South Pittsburg (4-1) extended its lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter before Red Bank (1-4) could answer when junior linebacker Kaden Baker scooped up a Lions fumble and raced 80 yards for a touchdown.
Red Bank finally broke through on the ensuing drive with an 11-yard rushing score to pull within 10. That would be all the Lions managed, however, as South Pittsburg’s defense matched its point total allowed from last week—and 14 overall in their last three games.
Despite only outgaining the Lions 253-227 in total yards, the Pirates dominated the turnover battle. Red Bank lost six fumbles—one returned for a touchdown—while South Pittsburg had two turnovers.
JaMychal Buckner capped the Pirates’ second-quarter scoring with a 19-yard burst to the end zone. He finished with 74 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Cooper led the ground game with 162 yards on 22 carries and two scores, including the game’s final touchdown.
The Pirates will close their four-game home stand this Friday against Class 6A’s Christian County (1-4).
Photos by Allison Long Richards