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Eagles come up short at Macon County




Eli Stafford fields a punt for the Eagles.Terry McCormick

Eli Stafford fields a punt for the Eagles.Terry McCormick

After starting the season with a close loss at home to Livingston Academy last week, the Westmoreland Eagles found themselves in familiar territory again this week on the road at Macon County.

Several miscues by the Tigers allowed Westmoreland to keep things close and a chance at winning the game late in the fourth, but the Eagles failed to capitalize in a 13-7 loss. 

“We’ve got a small senior class and a lot of sophomores on the field and we’ve played two 4A schools and been in both games the whole time,” Westmoreland coach Chad Perry said. “Obviously we’re still making mistakes, but as long as our kids will keep fighting hard we’ve got to pull together and stay together before region play next week.

Macon County started the game sloppy with three penalties on their opening drive, including consecutive block in the back calls that forced a third-and-long situation. The Tigers overcame the mistakes after Braydee Brooks found a wide-open Cameron Houston for a 44-yard pass. 

Logan Whittemore (21) of Macon County comes up to make a tackle on Westmoreland’s Eli Stafford.

Logan Whittemore (21) of Macon County comes up to make a tackle on Westmoreland’s Eli Stafford.

Two plays later, running back Ethan Jenkins found a seam en route to a 31-yard touchdown run that gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead. 

The Eagles’ defense toughened up the rest of the first half. After a fumble from Eli Stafford on their opening possession, Westmoreland forced a turnover of their own. Collin Casteel stepped in front of a Brooks pass and returned the pick 21 yards to the Eagles’ 46. 

“I can’t ask any more out of our kids on effort,” Perry said. “Coach (Ryan) Harris our defensive coordinator does a good job with our scheme and putting a game plan together.”  

Two possessions later, Westmoreland found the end zone to tie the game at seven before the half. A 12-play, 78-yard drive ended with a 5-yard touchdown run by Ryker Hodge on fourth and goal. The drive was saved earlier by a fake punt on fourth down after Hodge took a direct snap and ran down the left sideline for 27 yards. 

Ethan Carter of Westmoreland makes a hit on Ethan Jenkins of Macon County.

Ethan Carter of Westmoreland makes a hit on Ethan Jenkins of Macon County.

Macon County leaned heavily on the run game in the second half. That paid off as they retook the lead on their opening possession of the third quarter. A 1-yard quarterback sneak from Brooks capped off a 10-play drive. 

However, after a penalty on the extra point, the Tigers elected to go for two. The Westmoreland defense stuffed tailback Logan Whittemore behind the goal line to keep the Tigers lead at 6.

After forcing a three-and-out on defense, Macon County looked to take a two-score lead with another long drive that put the Tigers inside the Eagles 10-yard line. Westmoreland’s defense then caught another break as a fumble from Hunter Herron was recovered by Hodge in the endzone for a touchback. 

Despite the turnover, the Eagles threatened to take the lead several times in the fourth quarter but were unable to capitalize.

“We know we’re always going to get Westmoreland’s best,” Macon County coach Kyle Shoulders said. “I don’t think we played our best tonight by any means. We really allowed them to hang around longer than they should have. But we knew that we were in for a dogfight and I think tonight lived up to what this game typically is.”

Westmoreland linebacker Nick Gray brings down Hunter Herron of Macon County.

Westmoreland linebacker Nick Gray brings down Hunter Herron of Macon County.

Jenkins led all ball carries with 94 rushing yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Hodge carried Westmoreland with 62 total yards, including 46 on the ground.  

With the loss Westmoreland falls to 0-2. The Eagles will begin region play next week as they travel to take on Jackson County. Macon County now moves to 2-0 and will look to continue their winning streak next week as they host Mount Juliet Christian.

“Our kids are fighting hard and they’re doing everything we’re asking them to do,” Perry added. “We just need to go back and clean some things up and go into region play with a good attitude.”

Corban Kemp struggles to gain yards against Macon County. 

Corban Kemp struggles to gain yards against Macon County. 

Eagles QB Ryker Hodge (12) gets ready to make the option pitch to Corban Kemp (33).

Eagles QB Ryker Hodge (12) gets ready to make the option pitch to Corban Kemp (33).

 

 

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