editorial4@thomastontimes.comThe Upson-Lee Knights ended their unbeaten streak against the Harris County Tigers on Halloween night, as the Tigers came from behind to top the Knights 14-7.
The Knights defense held Harris County to only one first down in the first half, allowing only 36 yards of total offense. However, in the second half the Knights only managed one first down and 32 yards of total offense.
The game started off with both teams struggling to move the ball. Both the Knights and Tigers were forced to punt on their first three possessions of the game.
With 8:11 remaining in the second quarter the Knight took over on a drive from their own 36 yard line.
Senior running back Dare Coker carried the ball five times on the drive, including a 31 yard run, in which he broke three tackles. Coker finished the drive with a 4 yard TD run. After the Luke Paul PAT was successful, the Knights had the lead 7-0.
The defensive unit for the Knights stepped up once again forcing the Tigers to punt on a three and out. The Knights took over on their own 25 yard line, but two penalties stalled the offense before the half.
The Knights went into half-time with a 7-0 lead, as the defense held the Tigers to only on first down in the half.
Harris County head coach, and Thomaston native, Tommy Parks must have gave a half time speech for the ages, as the Tigers came out of the locker room a different team.
Quarterback Detavis Buggs started to break out of the backfield on runs on 15 and 20 yards. With 9:17 left in the third quarter, Buggs scrambled 17 yards for the Tigers first score of the night. However, the Tigers could not kick the ball through the uprights, missing the extra point.
The Knights took over on their next possessions with a 7-6 lead, but the Tigers defense had found an answer for the Knights running attack. The Knights were forced to punt after only three plays.
Harris took over, but they to could not get anything rolling on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers were forced to punt, but a muffed punt return by the Knights gave the Tigers great field position from the Knights’ own 49 yard line.
As the temperatures dropped during the game, so did the offensive production. Neither team could do much on offense in the third quarter, as the Knights held on to a lead by the smallest of margins to start the fourth quarter.
The Tigers ended the third quarter with the ball on the Knights’ 42 yard line, and after a Buggs pass for 12 yards. The Tigers were in business deep in the territory of the Knights. A 23 yard run by the Tigers running back down to the Knights 6 yard line, enabled Buggs to score once again. This time Buggs scored on a six yard TD run.
The Tigers attempted a two point conversion and they were successful, making the score 14-7.
The Knights would have more opportunities in the fourth quarter, but penalties and a key interception by the Tigers sealed the victory.
The Knights will finish up their 2008 season at Matthews Field Friday night when they host the Jones County Greyhounds for Senior Night. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. with the “Knight Walk” starting at 6 p.m.
Final Yard Stick
First Downs: HC-11, UL-6
Total Rushes: HC- 41, UL- 31
Yards Gained Rushing: HC- 206, UL- 157
Net Yards Rushing: HC- 180, UL- 151
Passes Att: HC- 5, UL- 6
Passes Comp: HC- 3, UL- 3
Passes Int: HC- 0, UL- 1
Yard Gained Passing: HC- 37, UL- 17
Total Offense: HC- 217, UL- 168
# of Fumbles: HC- 0, UL- 2
Fumbles Lost: HC- 0, UL- 1
Total Turnovers: HC- 0, UL- 2
Knights Game Leaders
Passing: Derek Baughcum- 3-6-1, 17
Rushing: Dare Coker- 16-79- 4.9 avg, 1 TD, Montavious Skelton- 9-50- 5.6 avg, Derek Baughcum- 3-14- 4.7 avg, Philip Seacry- 1-4, Antonio Copeland 2-4
Receiving: Eric Buffin- 1-9, Antonio Copeland- 1-4, Guy Robinson- 1-4
| 
| 
