HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The Whitwell Tigers showed in week one that there is some inexperience on the field. After a week of film and practice following a tough home loss, it was evident that strides had been made. However, it was Bledsoe County who came out with the win, 26-7.
Last season, Bledsoe County was able to go into Whitwell and come away with a victory. Bledsoe’s Austyn Rains was the difference maker in that game a year ago. The senior got the Warriors started with a 61-yard rush up the middle in the second quarter to make the score 6-0 (PAT no good). Whitwell had a chance to answer but turned the ball over just past midfield. With a little over a minute left in the first half, Bledsoe County connected on a 23-yard pass for a touchdown on 4th and 2.
Whitwell came out of the locker room firing, driving right down the field in six minutes. Senior Adam McDougal capped off the drive with a 14-yard run to make the score 13-7.
Bledsoe County then methodically chewed up the rest of the third quarter with sustained drives. On first and goal, McDougal was able to get a tackle for loss. On second and goal, the Warriors were penalized with a holding call. On the replay down, Bledsoe County attempted to sneak someone into the back of the end zone similar to the first half touchdown. Coverage looked solid for the Tigers, but the referee didn’t see it that way, flagging Whitwell for pass interference. This allowed the Warriors to gain some yardage before Rains ran it in for his second rushing touchdown, making it 19-7.
Whitwell crossed midfield on the following drive but turned the ball over on downs, giving the Warriors possession again. The Warriors then ran it in for their fourth touchdown of the night, putting the game away for good.
The Tigers led in passing yards with 125, but the Warriors completely dominated the running game with 293 yards. Whitwell has yet to figure out run-stopping defense, and if they don’t improve, TSSAA Class 2A defending State Champions Marion County will make them pay on Friday once again.
The Tigers will be at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Marion County in a rivalry renewed.
Photos by Kristie Eggert