HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
After 10 years of the rivalry seemingly disappearing into the wind, Marion County and Whitwell finally renewed their long-dormant football feud. And the first game in a decade didn’t disappoint — the Tigers held their own, but the Warriors’ experience down the stretch helped propel them to a 34-17 win.
Starting the season 0–2, Whitwell came out inspired, receiving the opening kickoff. The Tigers’ game plan was clear: control the clock. They marched right down the field behind the legs of quarterback Colin Beason — but it was his arm that delivered on a crucial 4th-and-12 conversion. Shortly after, senior Adam McDougal punched it in to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Marion County senior Brett Webb answered with a 4-yard touchdown run to tie it up. Less than four minutes later, the Tigers struck again, this time with a 1-yard run by McDougal, giving Whitwell a 14-7 lead heading into halftime.
The second half couldn’t have started worse for Marion County. The Warriors fumbled the kickoff, giving Whitwell great field position. Kicker Spencer Layne capitalized, drilling a 37-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7.
Near the end of the third quarter, senior Ashton Martin cut the lead to three with a 5-yard touchdown run, making it 17-14.
Then came a wild, high-intensity fourth quarter.
Whitwell opened with a promising drive but failed to convert on fourth down. Marion County had a chance to take the lead but fumbled — and Whitwell recovered. With four minutes remaining and the Tigers facing a critical 4th-and-2, they looked to have the first down that would allow them to bleed more clock.
Instead, an all-out defensive effort by the Warriors forced a fumble, which Brett Webb scooped up and returned 85 yards for a touchdown, giving Marion County their first lead of the game at 20-17.
That stunning momentum swing knocked the Tigers out of rhythm. Their final two possessions ended in interceptions, and Marion County tacked on two more touchdowns to close out the game.
The scoreboard didn’t reflect how close the game truly was. Whitwell gave their rival — the defending TSSAA Class 2A State Champions — everything they had. For three and a half quarters, the Warriors were on the ropes. But then Marion County showed why they’re once again favorites to win the Gold Ball.
Marion County hosts Sequatchie County on Friday at 7 p.m. Whitwell travels to Grundy County on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Photos by Gene Fuller & Kristie Eggert