The Shadow
In week two of the Alleghany High School Cougars’ Varsity Football Team, the table was set for a 2-0 victory. The Cougars had seen tremendous success in week one, with Purcel Turner converting the opening kickoff into a 95-yard touchdown, and then the Cougars –play after tremendous play– wrapping up an astonishing victory against the Waynesboro Little Giants, 35-7.
Some may have wondered if it was merely a case of beginner’s luck, a case of these athletes banning together to prove something to those who were unsure if these once-rivals could truly work together in harmony, or if the consolidation brought together the best of both worlds, creating an unstoppable force. I tend to believe the latter.
Yet the question remained: would history repeat itself on week two? As a matter of fact, it did! In the opening kickoff, Hunter DePriest turned the opening kickoff into a 90-yard touchdown. Could this be a running theme for the Cougars? Time will tell, but it certainly has been for the first two games.
DePriest also got in a tackle, recovered a fumble that he ran in for a touchdown late in the game, received two catches, and got an interception for the Cougars. All in all, DePriest was on fire all night!
Moose Clayton also had a lot to offer on Friday night, September 1st. As the kids now say, Clayton was lit! He stepped up multiple times to put pressure on the quarterback, racking up two tackles in the meantime.
Caleb Walden for the defense matched Clayton in tackles. In the third quarter following a Fort Defiance touchdown, Walden blocked the extra point kick. His brother, Nathen Chapman, also got in a tackle during Friday night’s game.
Following DePriest’s opening kickoff touchdown return, Purcel Turner broke away early in the first half to score an 80-yard touchdown. He would later scramble for a second touchdown during the second quarter.
Shortly before the end of the half, Gavin Via forced a Fort Definance fumble.
At the end of the first half, Alleghany led 20-0. Kicker Mason Hale was 2 for 3 in the extra point kicks.
After several scoreless minutes in the third quarter, Fort Defiance forced an Alleghany fumble that resulted in a turnover. They would be unable to capitalize on it and were eventually stopped once again by Gavin Via who made an excellent tackle behind the line of scrimmage.
With six minutes remaining on the clock in the third quarter, the Fort Defiance Indians ran in their first and only touchdown of the night. The extra point was blocked by Caleb Walden.
At the end of the third quarter, the score was Alleghany Cougars, 20. Fort Defiance Indians, 6.
In the fourth quarter, Des Jordan attempted a 40-yard pass to Purcel Turner that was inches from completion, but was picked off by Fort Defiance.
Once again, Fort Defiance was unable to capitalize on the turnover and wound up going for the punt return. However, the ball was overthrown and the kicker was forced to chase after it. Andrew Cole took advantage of the mistake, making an excellent tackle that resulted in about a 26-yard loss for the Indians.
Alleghany ball on their own 22.
The Cougars were able to capitalize on the excellent field advantage and Des Jordan ran in a fourth Alleghany touchdown. Mason Hale’s extra point was good! Alleghany Cougars lead 27-6 with 6:23 remaining in the game.
Fort Defiance fumbled with less than 5 minutes remaining on the clock, which was recovered by Hunter DePriest for another Alleghany touchdown, but a flag was thrown on the play. However, the penalty was offset and the touchdown was good! Mason Hale’s extra point kick was also good, making him 4 for 5 on the extra point kicks for the night. Alleghany led 34-6 with 4:27 remaining in the game.
A late fumble by Fort Defiance was recovered by Ethan Martin for another turnover late in the game. However, the damage had already been done. The remainder of the game was scoreless, resulting in a final: Alleghany Cougars, 34 and Fort Defiance Indians, 6.
Rough Stats:
Alleghany Cougars Offense
Purcel Turner had 3 rushes for 11 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 receptions, and 183 yards.
Des Jordan was 7 for 13 with 97 yards, 4 rushes for 19 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
Neeko Jeter had 6 rushes for 28 yards.
Hunter Knighton had 5 rushes for 21 yards and 1 reception for 6 yards.
Hunter DePriest had 1 tackle, 2 interceptions, forced a fumble, and received a touchdown.
Alleghany Cougars Defense
Caleb Walden had 2 tackles and 1 blocked PAT.
Hunter Knighton had 2 tackles.
Andrew Cole had two tackles for losses and a tackle.
Moose Clayton, aside from putting on the pressure all night, racked up 2 tackles.
Ethan Martin had a fumble recovery
