Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
There is a quote credited to a high school basketball coach, Tim Notke, and popularized by professional athletes Tim Tebow and Kevin Durant that says, “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” The Madison County High School (MCHS) could serve as living embodiments to that sentiment. This season, the Cowboys may not have always been the most talented team on the field, but there have been no teams who have worked harder than the Cowboys. This was on display once again on Friday, Dec. 3, as the Cowboys defeated the Indians of Chiefland High School, 37-0, in the Class 1A state semi-final game, in Chiefland, Fla.
The contest began with the Cowboys on offense at their own 43-yard line following a short opening kickoff. The Cowboys quickly moved down the field on a mixture of running and pass plays. The opening drive was capped off with a 10-yard, Jamie Hampton to Delvin Boatman pass. Keoni Nelson's point-after-touchdown (PAT) kick was good and the Cowboys had a 7-0 lead with 9:30 remaining in the first quarter. The Indians took the ensuing kickoff to the 40 yard line and the Indians began to drive down the field until the Cowboys' defensive unit stiffened and forced a 22-yard field goal attempt. That attempt was no good and the Cowboys had the ball again at their own 20-yard line. The Cowboys struck quickly when Tommie House found a crease in the line and shot through into the secondary. From there, it was a foot race and there was little question who was going to get the better of that situation. House took another one “to the house,” on a 79-yard touchdown run. The Following PAT was off the mark and the score was 13-0, with 2:38 remaining in the opening quarter. The Indians took over at their own 25-yard line as the first quarter drew to a close with the Cowboys in the lead, 13-0.
The second quarter began with the Indians moving the ball, but their drive stalled near mid-field. The Cowboys took over at their own 14-yard line,