TCHS Varsity Raiders Fall to the Owen County Rebels

     While most Trimble County students were enjoying the beautiful weather during Fall Break last week, the High School football team was preparing for Friday night. On Friday, the 0-6 Raiders journeyed to Owenton, KY to take on the 1-6 Owen County Rebels.

     The Rebels kicked off to the Raiders to start the game. Junior classman, T.J. Payton started as quarterback for the Raiders. After going three and out for their first offensive possession of the game, the Raiders punted the ball to the Rebels. On second down for the Rebels, the handoff was sloppy and the runner fumbled the ball. Raider defenders quickly piled up to recover the fumble, which allowed their offense to go back on the field just 36 yards away from the end zone. It was a long 36 yards for the Raiders as they methodically ran the ball down the field.  The smash mouth style of offense paid dividends for the Raiders as senior classman, Tevin Taylor crossed the goal line for what would be their only score of the game. The attempt for extra points after the touchdown failed, and the Raiders were leading 6-0 with 2:39 left in the first quarter.

     Following the score, the Raiders kicked what appeared to be an onside kick. The Owen County return team quickly surrounded the ball, which set up their offense near midfield to begin their second drive of the game. On second down, Rebels quarterback Tanner Smith put the ball in the air to connect with Logan Webster who went on to score a 52 yard touchdown. The attempt for extra points failed and the teams were knotted up at six points each with 1:51 left in the first quarter. The score remained tied at the end of the first quarter.

     Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter.  However, the Rebels caught a break on special teams and returned a Raider punt for a touchdown.  The point after was good, giving the Rebels the lead of 13-6 going in to the second half.

     The Rebels set up deep to receive the Raider kick-off to begin the third quarter but were surprised to see another onside kick.  The onside kick failed again giving the Rebels great field position to start the second half but could not capitalize on it. The third quarter went by with both teams being ineffective on offense. The final score of the game came with 5:22 left on the clock when Rebels’ Logan Lowe recovered his teammate’s fumble in the end zone. The attempt for points after the touchdown failed leaving the score at 19-6 in favor of Owen County.

     After the game, Raider Head Coach Franklin was asked about his decision to do onside kicks. He said, “They were not planned.” He went on to add, “We repped squib all week and squibbed to perfection all week long in practice.” He continued, “We come out here and accidently kick onsides, twice.” When Franklin was asked about the play calling with 5:22 left in the game he replied, “We’re trying to simplify the game; we don’t have a lot of confidence in our passing game right now (due to injured players).” He insisted that going forward, “We’re gonna work on finishing, we need to expand and put the ball in the air a little bit in addition to the wishbone.”

     This season the Raiders have a record of 0-7 and travel to Walton-Verona Friday to take on the 6-2 Bearcats at 7:30pm.  The Walton-Verona Football stadium is located about a mile off Interstate 71 North exit 72 on the left.