Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
For the past two weeks, the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys have been seeking redemption. After suffering a devastating loss to the Valdosta High School Wildcats in their opening game, the Cowboys were eager to show the Cowboy Nation and possibly themselves what kind of team they had this year. The Cowboys have two good weeks of practice in preparation for facing the University Christian High School Fighting Christians, in Jacksonville on Friday, Sept. 10. The Cowboys showed they had the same kind of tough, gritty team they have had for the past several years by defeating the Fighting Christians, 28-14.
The contest began with the Fighting Christians on offense, after the Cowboys chose to defer possession until the second half after winning the opening coin toss. The Fighting Christians started their first drive at their own 42-yard line. The Fighting Christians quickly moved the ball deep into the Cowboys' end of the field. The Cowboys forced a turnover at their own 12-yard line, putting the brakes on the first Fighting Christian drive. The Cowboys' drive did not last long and the Cowboys fumbled the ball right back to the Fighting Christians. The Fighting Christian quickly capitalized and scored the first touchdown of the evening. After a successful two-point conversion, the score was 8-0, in favor of the home team, with 6:34 remaining in the opening period. The Cowboys responded quickly when Jamie Hampton, Jr., who was getting his first start at the quarterback position, scored on a 28-yard touchdown run. The Cowboys unsuccessfully attempted a two-point conversion and the score was 8-6, with 4:45 still to play in the first quarter. The Fighting Christians began their next drive near mid-field and were pushed back to their own 38-yard line when the Cowboys forced another turn-over. The Cowboys took advantage and scored their second touchdown of the contest with a 25-yard touchdown run by Ke'Shaun Mitchell. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was no good and the score was 12-8, with 2:56 remaining in the first quarter. That score held until the end of the opening period.
The early moments of the second quarter saw ball possession go back and forth between the two teams until Hampton broke through the line and sprinted 74 yards to cap off a 93-yard scoring drive. Following a successful two-point conversion, the score was 20-8, in favor of the Cowboys with 2:13 remaining until halftime. The first half ended with the Fighting Christians moving the ball, but a Cowboy interception put an end to the scoring threat, and the half ended with the score still 20-8.
The second half began with the Cowboys at their own 28-yard line. That drive went three-and-out, and the Cowboys punted to the Fighting Christians. The Fighting Christians' drive stalled near mid-field, and the Cowboys' offense was back on the field at their own 27-yard line. Then, Hampton hit Jonathon Akins on a 64-yard pass and run for the next Cowboy touchdown. The two-point conversion was good, and the Cowboys had a 28-8 advantage with 5:09 remaining in the third quarter. That was the score when the third quarter ended and the game went into the final period.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Fighting Christians' drive stalled at their ow 28-yard line, and the Fighting Christians punted to the Cowboys. A fumble on the punt reception was recovered by the Fighting Christians at the Cowboys' 43-yard line. The Fighting Christians were able to make the most of this and quickly put together a scoring drive. The Cowboys stopped a two-point conversion attempt and the score was 28-14, with 5:12 remaining in the contest. The Fighting Christians attempted an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff, but it was alertly recovered by the Cowboys at mid-field. The Cowboys went three-and-out on their next drive, and the Fighting Christians were in possession of the ball for one last time. That possession ended when Cowboy Stavon McGeary picked off a pass. From there, the Cowboys were able to run out the clock, sealing the Cowboys' fist win of the 2021 season.
“I’m just gonna say this; my guys have been through more than most [high school] kids since May and the incident in the spring game,” said Cowboys Head Coach Mike Coe after the game. “Not one of them quit, transferred, whined, or pointed fingers. They took a 52-0 loss week one, while missing nine starters and their Head Coach and again, all they did was keep working and stayed together. We have a long way to go, but I don’t know that I’ve ever been prouder of one of my teams than I am tonight. I want to brag on our coaches, too. There [are eight] of us for our JV and varsity teams and these guys bust their tails everyday. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m glad to be a Madison County Cowboy!”
Hampton led the Cowboys' rushing attack with 108 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Hampton also went one-for-five passing for 64 yards and one touchdown pass. Mitchell had 95 yards on the ground on 15 attempts. Tommie House added 75 yards rushing on 12 attempts. Jahyren Lee toted the ball four times for 25 yards.
Hampton was the Offensive Player of the Week. The Defensive Player of the Week was Tyrece Pryor. The Special Teams Player of the Week was Joshua Watts. The Offensive Hawg of the Week was Zicori Akins. The Defensive Hawg of the Week was Amari Roberts. Mitchell was the “CurDog” of the Week.
Next up for the Cowboys (1-1) is a contest against the Timberwolves of Chiles High School, in Tallahassee. The Timberwolves (0-3), are coming off a 31-7 loss to Choctawhatchee High School. The game is set to be played at Chiles High School, at 7200 Lawton Chiles Ln., in Tallahassee. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.