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Simpson opens playoffs at Leake
The Simpson Cougars faced off with Leake Academy on Friday night. Leake kicked off to Simpson to open the game. Leake forced a three and out and a Simpson punt. The Cougar defense held and forced a Leake punt on their first possession. Simpson’s second possession resulted in a fumble recovered by Leake at the Simpson 11 yard line. The Cougar defense stiffened and forced a turnover on downs. Simpson’s next possession resulted in a punt. The Simpson defense forced a three and out on Leake’s next possession and a punt. At the end of the first quarter the score was tied 0-0. Simpson’s next possession resulted in a fumble recovered by Leake on the Simpson 25 yard line. Leake broke the scoring drought when Rhett Atkinson connected with Colby Moore for a 28 yard touchdown pass, the PAT was no good and with 10:22 to go in the half Leake led 6-0. Carter Cockrell returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards to set up Simpson at the Leake 48 yard line. Simpson was unable to capitalize on the good field position and forced to punt. Leake drove the ball out to midfield before Simpson forced them to punt.
Simpson drove the ball down to down to the Leake 43 yard line as time expired in the half with Leake leading 6-0. Leake received the second half kickoff and drove to the Simpson 30 yard line and Simpson forced a turnover on downs. Simpson was forced to punt on their next possession and Thomas Cheatham returned the punt for a 60 yard touchdown, the PAT was no good and with 3:52 to go in the third quarter Leake led 12-0. Carter Cockrell returned the kickoff 64 yards to the Leake 19 yard line. Simpson could not capitalize on the great field position as they fumbled and Leake recovered at the 10 yard line. Leake moved the ball out to the 41 yard line before the Simpson defense forced a punt. The Leake defense forced a three and out and a punt. Leake drove 38 yards in eleven plays capped off by a Wyatt Estep 8 yard touchdown run, Cole Arthur added the PAT and with 2:56 to play in the game Leake led 19-0.
Simpson’s next possession resulted in a turnover on downs. Leake picked up a first down and kneeled out the clock to secure the victory 19-0. The loss dropped Simpson’s district record to 2-3 and 6-4 on the season. The Cougars were led offensively in the rushing game by Michael Winstead with 18 carries for 42 yards and Caleb Garner 7 carries for 31 yards. In the passing game Brentley Berry completed 3 passes for 16 yards. The Cougars were led on defense by Caleb Garner with 13 total tackles, Andrew Smith 10 total tackles, Carter Cockrell, Jordan Taylor, and Barrett Thompson 7 total tackles each. Getting a sack or tackle for loss were Matt Adcock 3, Michael Winstead 3, Andrew Smith 2, Vance Smith, Jr. 2, Jordan Taylor 2, Caleb Garner 1, and Barrett Thompson 1. In team stats Simpson had 88 yards of total offense, 72 rushing yards, 16 passing and picked up 5 first downs. Leake had 189 yards of total offense, 161 rushing yards, 28 passing yards, and picked up 12 first downs.
Simpson will travel to Leake Academy in Madden to open the playoffs on Friday, November 1, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. This will be the twenty-eighth meeting between Simpson and Leake. Simpson holds a 21-6 lead in the series and lost to Leake last week 19-0.
