Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
It was a tough Homecoming evening for the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys as they tangled with the Knights of Clearwater Academy International on Friday, Oct 7. Although the Cowboys fought hard to stay competitive, the Knights emerged victorious with a 39-20 final score.
The contest began with the Knights' receiving the opening kickoff at their own 22-yard line. It did not take long before the Knights running back broke into the secondary and was off to the races to set the Knights up with a first-and-goal. The Knights punched the ball into the end-zone and, following a successful two-point conversion, the score was 8-0, with 10:20 still to play in the first quarter. On the ensuing kick-off, the Knights kicked an on-side kick and recovered the ball at the Cowboys 30-yard line. The Knights moved the ball deeper toward the goal line, but the Cowboys defense stiffened and held the Knights to a field goal attempt. The Knights' kick was successful and the score was 11-0 with 4:22 remaining in the opening period. The Cowboys took the kick-off at their own 42-yard line, but a fumble at the Knights' 45-yard line cut the drive short. The first quarter ended with the Knights driving down the field and the score 11-0, in favor of the Knights.
In the early moments of the second quarter, the Knights scored their second touchdown of the evening, followed by another successful two-point conversion, bringing the score to 19-0. Once again, the Knights chose to attempt an on-side kick, which was recovered by the Knights near mid-field. The Knights moved the ball, but Tre'vion Gillyard intercepted a pass at the Cowboys' eight-yard line, keeping the Knights out of the end-zone. The Cowboys' drive stalled at the 20-yard line and the Cowboys had to punt the ball away. The Knights took over at mid-field and drove down for another Knights touchdown. After an extra-point kick, the score was 26-0, with 3:11 still to play before halftime. The Cowboys began their next drive at the 45-yard line and moved the ball down the field. The drive was capped off with a touchdown run by Jason McDaniel, from inside the Knights' 10-yard line. A two-point conversion was no good and the score was 26-6 as the first half drew to a close.
The Cowboys received the second-half kick-off at their own 18-yard line. The Cowboys moved the ball near mid-field, but another turnover handed the ball back to the Knights at the Cowboys' 45-yard line. The Knights moved the ball the 45-yards needed for another touchdown and the score was 32-6, with 6:59 remaining in the third period. Next, the Cowboys had the ball at their own 40-yard line. The turn-over bug bit the Cowboys again when the Knights intercepted a pass and put the Knights' offense back on the field at the Cowboys' 35-yard line. The Knights took advantage and scored another touchdown, bringing the score to 39-6, with 4:30 still to play in the third period. On their next possession, the Cowboys turned the ball over again with an interception at their own 40. That Knights' drive ended when Gillyard picked off a pass at the 35-yard line. The Cowboys' drive ended with a turnover on downs at mid-field. The Cowboys were able to stop the Knights with another interception, putting the Cowboys' offense back on the field at their own 20-yard line. The third quarter ended with the Knights holding onto a 39-6 lead.
The final period of the game had the Cowboys moving down the field and McDaniel capping the drive off with another touchdown on a short run into the end-zone. Keoni Nelson's point-after touchdown (PAT) kick was good and the Cowboys had cut into the Knights' lead. The score was 39-13, with 7:33 still to play in the game. The Knights' next drive was cut short when Jonathan Akins picked off a pass at the 36-yard line. The Cowboys gave the ball back to the Knights with a fumble at the 41-yard line. The Knights went three-and-out and their ensuing punt was shanked off the side of the kicker's foot, giving the Cowboys good field position at the 35-yard line. The Cowboys capitalized with a late-game scoring drive, finished off with McDaniel's third rushing touchdown of the evening. Nelson's PAT was good and the score was 39-20, with under a minute to play in the contest.
Despite their record, the Cowboys' playoff hopes remain very much alive. The Cowboys are ranked third in Region Three of the Class 1R classification. According to the Florida High School Athletic Association Football Manual, the top six teams in the region advance to the regional playoff.
Next up, the Cowboys (2-4) will travel to Live Oak, Fla., to face a familiar rival, the Bulldogs of Suwannee High School. The Bulldogs (4-3) are coming off a 40-0 shut-out win over the Raiders of Santa Fe High School. The Cowboys will face the Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 14, at Suwannee High School, located at 1314 Pine Ave. SW, in Live Oak. Toe is set to meet leather at 7:30 p.m.
Be sure to pick up your copy of the Madison Enterprise-Recorder, Friday, Oct. 14, for coverage and photos of the MCHS Homecoming activities, including the Coronation, Homecoming Parade and the crowning of the 2022 MCHS Homecoming Queen during halftime of the game.