McMinn Central defenders bring down Sweetwater's Jeremiah Parris. Photo by Doodle Bivens
Chargers Dominant in Win Over Wildcats, 56-6
by AJ Hall and Bryan Burchfield
ENGLEWOOD, Tenn. — McMinn Central put on a dominant display in all three phases of the game, crushing Sweetwater 56-6 in a lopsided region matchup on Friday night. The Chargers jumped out to a commanding lead and never looked back, improving their record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in region play.
McMinn Central's offense got things rolling early with a 66-yard drive, capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ayden Plemons to Landin McInturff. With Nick Jay's extra point, the Chargers took a 7-0 lead with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter.
After forcing a Sweetwater punt, the Chargers struck again early in the second quarter when Plemons connected with Jake Goodin on a 60-yard catch-and-run, extending their lead to 14-0.
The McMinn Central defense soon joined the scoring party, as Devon Paxton intercepted Sweetwater quarterback Nolan Dacus and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown with 4:30 to go in the second quarter. The pick-six pushed the lead to 21-0.
Sweetwater’s special teams misfired shortly afterward, as punter Bryce Teutimez was forced to pass on fourth down following a low snap. His pass was intercepted by Mez Moss, giving the Chargers possession at the Wildcats' 25-yard line. Ray McCarty punched in an 8-yard touchdown run a few plays later, putting McMinn Central ahead 28-0 just before halftime.
Sweetwater's only points of the night came on a blocked field goal just before halftime. Silas Brown led the charge, and Lucas Rockholt scooped up the ball, returning it 70 yards for a touchdown. The Wildcats' extra point attempt was blocked, making the score 28-6 at the half.
In the second half, McMinn Central's offense continued its onslaught. Plemons found Goodin again for a 61-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, followed by a 46-yard strike to Paxton to stretch the lead to 42-6. The Chargers added two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter—one from McCarty on a 44-yard run and another from Kage McCrosky from 8 yards out—to round out the 56-6 victory.
With the win, McMinn Central improves to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in region play. Sweetwater falls to (1-4, 0-2) and will look to rebound next week when they host the Tyner Rams (2-3, 1-1).
McMinn Central's offense got things rolling early with a 66-yard drive, capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ayden Plemons to Landin McInturff. With Nick Jay's extra point, the Chargers took a 7-0 lead with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter.
After forcing a Sweetwater punt, the Chargers struck again early in the second quarter when Plemons connected with Jake Goodin on a 60-yard catch-and-run, extending their lead to 14-0.
The McMinn Central defense soon joined the scoring party, as Devon Paxton intercepted Sweetwater quarterback Nolan Dacus and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown with 4:30 to go in the second quarter. The pick-six pushed the lead to 21-0.
Sweetwater’s special teams misfired shortly afterward, as punter Bryce Teutimez was forced to pass on fourth down following a low snap. His pass was intercepted by Mez Moss, giving the Chargers possession at the Wildcats' 25-yard line. Ray McCarty punched in an 8-yard touchdown run a few plays later, putting McMinn Central ahead 28-0 just before halftime.
Sweetwater's only points of the night came on a blocked field goal just before halftime. Silas Brown led the charge, and Lucas Rockholt scooped up the ball, returning it 70 yards for a touchdown. The Wildcats' extra point attempt was blocked, making the score 28-6 at the half.
In the second half, McMinn Central's offense continued its onslaught. Plemons found Goodin again for a 61-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, followed by a 46-yard strike to Paxton to stretch the lead to 42-6. The Chargers added two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter—one from McCarty on a 44-yard run and another from Kage McCrosky from 8 yards out—to round out the 56-6 victory.
With the win, McMinn Central improves to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in region play. Sweetwater falls to (1-4, 0-2) and will look to rebound next week when they host the Tyner Rams (2-3, 1-1).
Scoring Summary:
1Q:
1Q:
- McMinn Central: Plemons 11-yd pass to McInturff (Jay kick), 7-0
- McMinn Central: Plemons 60-yd pass to Goodin (Jay kick), 14-0
- McMinn Central: Paxton 35-yd interception return (Jay kick), 21-0
- McMinn Central: McCarty 8-yd run (Jay kick), 28-0
- Sweetwater: Rockholt 70-yd blocked field goal return (XP blocked), 28-6
- McMinn Central: Plemons 61-yd pass to Goodin (Jay kick), 35-6
- McMinn Central: Plemons 46-yd pass to Paxton (Jay kick), 42-6
- McMinn Central: McCarty 44-yd run (Jay kick), 49-6
- McMinn Central: McCrosky 8-yd run (Jay kick), 56-6
