Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, Gordonsville went to Murfreesboro to take on newcomer to the region Middle Tennessee Christian School this past Friday night and dropped the decision by a single point; 13-12. With the loss, Gordonsville’s overall record stands at 1-5 and 1-3 within the region. With four region games left to play, another loss would more than likely dash all hopes of getting a playoff bid.
A game hampered by poor weather conditions turned into a defensive struggle that produced several punts, loss of downs on 4th down attempts, four turnovers, a blocked punt, and a muffed punt. With an off and on steady drizzle coupled with a constant, brisk wind created a problem with footing for both teams. The stiff wind seem to affect deep thrown passes and the handling of punts. This was evidenced as running backs from both teams slipped and stumbled as they lost traction on their cuts as trying to abruptly change their direction. Also several passes were dropped due to what seemed like a slick football.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Cougars got on the board after going 87 yards in 11 plays as QB Joseph Peck hit wide-out Trey Hickey on a 35-yard pass play. Placekicker Asfaw Puddy hit the extra point. Middle Tennesse Christian led 7-0 with 2:58 left in the 2nd quarter. Then a mini-barrage of scoring took place to end the first half. Gordonsville turned the ball over on downs at the Cougar 45 yard line with only 1:27 to play in the half. The Cougars’ next play ended with a Joseph Peck pass attempt picked off by Gordonsville’s Jesse Meadows, and he returned the ball to inside the Cougars’ 15 yard line. Two plays later Damian Davis connected with Dylan Askew on a 14 yard scoring strike. The extra point attempt was no good, and the score was 7-6 with 50 seconds left in the half. On Middle Tennessee Christian’s next and final possession they marched down to the Tigers’ 17 yard where their place kicker, Asfaw Puddy, nails a 34-yard field goal as time expires. 10-6 at the halfway mark.
Gordonsville’s first two possessions of the second half ended in disaster as they turned the ball over on fumbles. The first fumble was very disappointing as the Tigers moved from their own 40 to just inside the Cougars’ 10 yard line. The next Tiger turnover was more costly as they fumbled near mid-field, and the Cougars capitalized by moving deep inside the Gordonsville’s 10 yard line but had to settle for a second Puddy field goal of 21 yards. 13-6 Cougars lead. Gordonsville wasted no time as on the second play of their next possession Jesse Meadows scampers 58 yards around the left side and eludes several would be tacklers to go into the end zone for the six points. Gordonsville’s attempt to take the lead on a two point conversion attempt fell short as Jay Vaden’s pass attempt to Bill Holder was unsuccessful. 1:52 left in the 3rd Quarter; 13-12 Middle Tennessee Christian clinging to a one point lead.
Both teams’ defenses stood tall to close out the game. Gordonsville got deep inside Cougar territory on a couple occasions, but miss timing on several plays caused them to move backwards and stall out on those drives.
The Tigers return home to face a familiar foe this Friday as they will face Monterey for a crucial region matchup. Start time 7:00 p.m.
