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JV Saints Lose Exciting Game at Newton
By: Melissa Grace
The JV Saints traveled north to Decatur Thursday evening for a district matchup against the Newton Academy Generals. Newton won the opening toss and elected to receive the kickoff. Wade Watkins kicked off for the Saints. Following a 14 yard return, the Generals started their drive on the 39 yard line. Despite forcing two 4th down attempts, the Generals moved the ball right down the field and scored on a 10 play drive culminated by a 26 yard TD run. The 2pt conversion attempt was successful giving Newton an early 8-0 lead. The Generals squib kicked to the Saints, but it was covered by Jerod Dungan for Prentiss. The Saint offense was able to reach the 38 yard line of NCA, but facing a 4th and 9, they elected to punt back to the Generals. Watkins punt went 23 yards and was downed on the NCA 15 yard line. After a good run by the Generals on 1st down, Watkins found himself in the right place to recover a Newton fumble on the General 30 yard line. The General defense was too tough for the Saint offense and stopped Prentiss four straight plays forcing a turnover on downs. Two runs later, the Generals were again in the end zone after a 57 yard run. The 2pt conversion was again good giving Newton a 16-0 lead in the 2nd quarter. Newton then successfully attempted the onside kick. The Generals would start from the 40 yard line of the Saints. Ten plays later, Newton’s quarterback threw a touchdown pass, but the 2pt conversion failed giving Newton a 22-0 lead with 3:28 to play in the 1st half. The Generals kicked off deep this time to Prentiss. Daniel Magee fielded the kick with no return on the Saint 17 yard line. Prentiss lost 7 yards on the drive and chose to punt to the Generals. Kade Greenlee’s punt sailed 27 yards and the tackle was made on the Saint 35 yard line. Two plays later, Hunter Bolin forced and recovered a NCA fumble on the 32 yard line. After not having success through three plays, Jacob Anderson found Watkins on a 68 yard catch and run for a Saints touchdown as time expired on the 1st half. Anderson then hit Greenlee on the 2pt conversion pass cutting the Generals lead to 22-8.
Newton again attempted the squib kick to start the 2nd half, but it was covered by Watkins on the 41 yard line before he was taken back to the 38 yard line. Prentiss moved the ball all the way to the 28 yard line of the Generals, but a failed 4th down attempt gave the ball back to Newton. The Generals worked their way out to the 39 yard line, but another fumble recovery by Bolin gave the ball right back to the Saints. Four plays later, the Generals got the ball back on an interception and long return to the 30 yard line of Prentiss. The following play Chase Riley came up with a fumble recovery for Prentiss at the 28 yard line of the Saints. On 2nd down, Anderson found Watkins who made a great catch for a 71 yard touchdown. The 2pt conversion attempt failed making the score 22-14 with 6:05 left to play in the game. Watkins kickoff went 30 yards and was returned 2 yards to the Newton 32 yard line. Newton only gained 6 yards on the drive and elected to punt back to Prentiss. Following the punt, Prentiss started their drive on the 38 yard line of the Saints. On 1st down, Anderson was intercepted at the 48 yard line. After moving the ball to the 27 yard line, the Generals chose to kneel out the clock with only 1:26 left in the game. The Saints had different plans and chose to use their timeouts between plays.
With 9 seconds left on the clock the Generals lined up in the punt formation. After the snap, the punter ran backwards to the 5 yard line of the Generals to burn the clock. Mistakenly he placed the ball on the ground as the horn sounded giving Prentiss an opportunity to recover the ball. As a scramble for the ball ensued, the Generals got the ball back to end the game. Despite a valiant effort, the Saints fell to 3-2 on the season. Prentiss will play its final game of the season Thursday night against conference opponent Sylva Bay. There will be pregame festivities honoring all freshman players and cheerleaders.
Offensive Stats:
Jacob Anderson 8 comp 174 yds 2 TD 2 Interceptions, 4 rushes -11 yds
Wade Watkins 9 rushes 14 yds, 6 rec 173 yds 2 TD
Daniel Magee 3 rushes 5 yds, 1 rec 1 yd
Austin Long 1 rec
Defensive Stats:
Wade Watkins 5 T 4 A
Chase Riley 5 T 3 A
Jacob Anderson 3 T 3A
Jerrod Dungan 2 T 4A
Sam Sanders 2 T 4A
Kade Greenlee 1 T 3A
Hunter Bolin 2 T 1A, 2 Fumble Rec
Daniel Magee 5 A
Cass Jones 2 T
Austin Long 1 A