Rick Patrick
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys got their 2016 campaign off to an impressive start in Live Oak on Friday, Aug. 19 with a resounding victory over the Suwannee County High School Bulldogs 35-7.
The Cowboys racked up a whopping 345 rushing yards, including a 67 yard touchdown scamper by senior Kris Allen. Junior running back Teryon Henderson had 103 yards rushing on 19 attempts with three touchdowns, while junior running back Derrick Staten led the Cowboy rushing attack with 139 yards on 11 attempts and one touchdown.
MCHS Varsity Football Coach Mike Coe stated that although there are improvements that can be made this week, he was very proud of his team. “[They were] very unselfish, especially the receivers,” said Coe. He added that, “anytime you have two players (such as Henderson and Staten) with over 100 yards rushing, that's something special.”
Coach Coe was also impressed with the defensive play from his Cowboys, stating that the “defensive front was lights out.” Coe was particularly impressed with the play of Kelvin Kegler and D.J. Hartsfield, as well as Tinarus “Tank” Irvine, who had a total of 10 tackles. Kegler, Hartsfield, and Irvine shared “Defensive Players of the Game” honors from this game. On offense, Hunter Burt was named the “Offensive Player of the Game” and Travis Fead and Drew Herring were named “Special Teams Players of the Game.”
Next, the Cowboys bring their ground and pound rushing attack home, on Friday, Aug. 26, as they meet the Rickards Raiders, from Tallahassee, in what will likely be a tough contest. Coach Coe said that Rickards is ranked Number 1 in the Big Bend for good reason. “They are very dangerous on offense,” said Coe. Coe added that, “winning the kicking game will be crucial.” Everyone is encouraged to come out and provide the Cowboys a real home field advantage at Boot Hill Stadium on the MCHS campus Friday evening, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.