Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Just like the legendary Cowboy Pecos Bill was said to have done, the legendary Cowboys of Madison County High School (MCHS) tamed the Tornadoes of Bay High School, from Panama City, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 20. The Cowboys delighted the Homecoming crowd with a 42-14 win.
The contest began with the Tornadoes on offense at their own 24-yard line. The Cowboys put the brakes on the Tornado drive at the 40-yard line and the Cowboys’ offense was on the field at their own 30-yard line. The Cowboys wasted little time, connecting on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Ladarius Crumity to Ryshard Miller. After a successful point-after-touchdown (PAT) kick, the score was 7-0, with 8:42 remaining in the first quarter. The Tornadoes took over at their own 39-yard line and began to blow down the field, thanks in part to a fake punt that kept the drive alive. The drive ended with a Tornado fumble that was returned to the Tornadoes’ 20-yard line. That short drive was capped off with Jason McDaniel returning to familiar territory, the end zone at Boot Hill, with a 10-yard touchdown run. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was good, and the Cowboys held a 15-0, with 5:27 still to go in the opening period. The Tornadoes’ next drive began at their own 31-yard line, but ended with a turnover-on-downs at the Cowboys’ 45-yard line. From there, Na’Quez Christian went to work and galloped 55 yards for the Cowboys’ third touchdown of the evening. The two-point conversion attempt failed, and the score was 21-0, as the first quarter drew to a close.
The second period began with a Tornado drive that stalled at the Tornadoes’ 39-yard line. The Cowboys took over at their own 40-yard line. The Cowboys had another quick strike when Sean Williams ran 60 yards for another Cowboy touchdown. The score was 27-0, with 9:37 remaining until intermission. The Tornadoes went three-and-out on their next possession. The next Cowboy drive finished with McDaniel running 10 yards to the end zone. A successful two-point conversion put the score at 35-0, with 3:36 still to play in the second quarter. The Tornadoes began to move the ball on their next drive, but the drive ended when Chad Mitchell intercepted a pass in the end zone. The first half ended with a 35-0 score.
During the halftime festivities, Aryana Hankins was crowned the 2024 MCHS Homecoming Queen. Just before the second half kickoff, concern filled the air as a Bay High School player collapsed on his way back to the field. Both teams huddled together at mid-field for a word of prayer for the safety of the young man. It was later determined the young man had a heat-related episode and returned home safely. The following statement was released on Saturday, on the Bay High Tornado Football social media page: “Our guy Aaron Carswell is home and feeling much better this morning. Thank you for all the prayers last night and thank you to all the EMT workers, Madison County parents and our coaches for their fast response to the situation.” This event brought to mind the tragic loss of a Port St. Joe High School player who collapsed and sadly passed away during a football game on Friday, Sept. 6.
When play resumed in the third quarter, the Cowboys went three-and-out from their own 28-yard line. The Tornadoes followed with a scoring drive of their own and the third quarter ended with a 35-7 Cowboy lead.
The Cowboys’ next possession began at the Tornadoes’ 32-yard line. The Cowboys were playing younger players at this point, and Freshman Kemonte Lee made the most of his opportunity, running 32 yards for another Cowboy touchdown. The score was 42-7, with 8:52 remaining in the contest. The Tornadoes put together another scoring drive in a latter moments of the contest with a running clock. The game ended with a 42-14 Cowboy win.
The Cowboys put up a total of 263 yards of offense, with 74 yards through the air and 189 rushing yards. McDaniel was named the Offensive Player of the Week for the Cowboys. The Defensive Player of the Week was Ezekiel Ghent. The Special Teams Player of the Week was Chad Mitchell. The “Hawg” of the Week was Zakari Neal.
The Cowboys (4-1) will have a well-deserved week off before hitting the road again to face the Pace High School Patriots, in the Pensacola area. The Patriots (3-1) defeated the Bulldogs of Andalusia High School, from Alabama, 42-13, on Friday Sept. 20. The Cowboys vs. Patriots game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4, with a 7:30 p.m. (Central time) kickoff. 
