Friday, November 21, 2008
Quick Poll
Who will win tonight's GHSA State AAAAA Football Playoff game?
- Newnan: 79
- Tift County: 17
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Published Saturday, September 06, 2008 in Sports
Shutout effort more than just run-of-the Mill
The Times-Herald
SHARPSBURG -- After an emotionally draining game a week ago, the East Coweta Indians responded Friday night with a 34-0 win over the Mundy's Mill Tigers at Garland Shoemake Stadium.
The Region 4-AAAAA contest was also the home opener for the Indians and the first win for Clint Wade as head coach.
"It feels great to get that first win but it doesn't belong to me," he said. "It belongs to a coaching staff who did a great job and a good group of kids who played real hard."
The Indians took the opening series on a nine-play, 66-yard drive for a touchdown as TayWillis scored on a three-yard run with 9:04 remaining in the first quarter.
Among the big plays of the drive was an 18-yard pass from Mac McKnight to Randy Snellings and an 18-yard run by Willis.
After holding the Tigers to a three-and-out, the Indians took possession at the Tigers' 18 after a 28-yard run by Snellings and once again scored as McKnight hit Jeric Woodall in the back of the end zone with 6:55 remaining in the quarter.
The Indians were hit with a 15-yard celebration penalty on the play and Tyler Willis was forced to try a 25-yard extra point but he was able to convert and the lead was 14-0.
Both teams would exchange punts on their respective ensuing series but the Tigers threatened to get on the scoreboard on their next series.
Beginning at their 25 yard line at the end of the first quarter the Tigers were able to move the ball behind the passing of Brian East who connected on two passes for 60 yards.
However, the drive stalled at the Indians' 40 and the Tigers were forced to punt and put the Indians in a deep hole as EC took over at their own seven with a first-and-10 and 8:22 remaining in the half.
So much for the deep hole as the Indians threatened to score on one play as Tay Willis nearly ran through the entire Tigers' defense only to be stopped at the 45 but he was able to get a touchdown on the next play as he raced for 55 yards with 7:45 remaining.
"I was real proud of Tay tonight," Wade said about his tailback. "He has done real well. Tay is a hard worker, has a good attitude and is a team player."
The Indians had a chance to add to the lead before intermission as they had the ball for the final series of the half at midfield and were able to move to the Tigers' 12 as backup quarterback Austin Ingram connected with Snellings on a 22-yard pass and a seven-yard toss to MaDerrius Robinson.
However, the drive stalled and Tyler Willis attempted a field goal which went to the left and the Indians had to be content with a 21-0 lead at intermission.
In the third quarter, the Indians were able to add to the lead on their initial possession of the second half, as Tay Willis had four carries for 51 yards in a seven-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a two-yard run by Randy Snellings with 6:42 remaining in the quarter.
After being held in check on the ensuing series at their own 22, the Tigers were forced to punt but the snap was mishandled and the ball was recovered at their four yard line with 4:55 remaining.
The Indians took possession of the ball at that point and five plays later McKnight hit Darquan Boose with a five-yard pass with 3:11 remaining for the final points of the night as the extra point attempt failed.