advertisement

Visiting Edwards County shuts out Tribe

For the first time in 14 years, the Edwards County (Albion) Lions will likely be in the playoffs after a 19-0 win over Johnston City on the Indians' senior night.

"Is five wins and getting into the playoffs enough? I asked my team," said Edwards County Coach Joe Rivers after the game.

"They looked me right in the eye and said we want more," he added as the Lions (5-3) will close out regular season play next week at home against Chester.

Edwards County's defense stymied Johnston City all night long, and the Lions' offense stayed on the field for most of the game while handing the Tribe their sixth loss to go with two wins.

A 10-yard run with 5:48 to go in the first quarter by Cade Rivers capped a 16-play, 65-yard drive by the Lions and gave them a lead at the half.

Edwards County dominated the final 24 minutes of the game by scoring two touchdowns while never letting the Indians cross into Lions territory.

"Number 52 (Hunter Mabrey) and number 65 (Adam Over) are the best two defensive players we've faced all year," said Johnston City Coach Todd Thomas.

"They took us out of our running game and were very physical all game," he added.

The Lions' defense accounted for their second touchdown when Andrew Caramel recovered a blocked punt by the Lions in the end zone, and Rivers booted the extra point for a 13-0 lead.

Camden Cowger closed out the scoring for Lions with a 12-yard scoring strike from Marcus Stennett with only 19.4 seconds left in the third quarter.

Dylan Fisher was held way below his rushing average with only 35 yards on 17 carries. The Tribe, as a team, managed only 101 yards on the ground and no yards through the air for the night.

"I was impressed with how our kids kept battling and fighting all night," said Thomas, who will watch his team close out the season Friday night with a road game at Eldorado.

On the defensive side of the ball, Johnston City was led by Austin Brown with six solo tackles and four assists. Fisher Terrell had five solos and three assists and Cade Sloan five solo stops.