Sweetwater's offensive line ready to block the Stone Memorial defensive front. (Photo by Brooklyn Gibby)

Wildcats Outmatched in 42-7 Loss
by AJ Hall and Bryan Burchfield
Photos by Brooklyn Gibby

            The Sweetwater Wildcats traveled to Crossville Friday night to take on the Stone Memorial Panthers. On the opening possession of the game, Sweetwater found itself with a 3rd down and 14 at their own 26 yard line when Nolan Dacus found Tyler Beasley wide open for a 74 yard score.  Bryce Teutimez added the extra and just two minutes into the game, the Wildcats led 7-0. No one would have assumed, after that quick strike score, it would be Sweetwater’s only score of the game.   On the Panthers’ first drive, it appeared the Sweetwater defense was going to get off the field without allowing any points as the Panthers were faced with a 4th and goal from the Sweetwater 16 yard line.  However, Noah Potter found Carson McCoy in the endzone for the 4th down conversion and score. After the extra point, the game was tied 7-7 with 7:05 to go in the first.  Sweetwater started the next possession at their own 28 yard line. On the first play of the next possession, Sweetwater’s Nolan Dacus had his pass picked off at the 37 yard line by Konner Melton who then returned it to the endzone for a Panther defensive score.  This play seemingly knocked the wind out of the Wildcats.  Sweetwater’s offense would then go three and out, forcing them to punt.  Stone Memorial’s Maddox Oquendo would make a great return to the Sweetwater 12 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage after the punt return, the Panther’s Kayden Page carried the ball into the endzone to extend Stone Memorial’s lead to 21-7 with 3:13 to go in the first quarter. For the remainder of the first quarter and the entirety of the 2nd quarter, the Wildcat defense bowed their backs, not allowing any points. The Sweetwater D forced a missed field goal and had two 4th down stops with Stone Memorial in scoring position. The halftime score remained 21-7, Stone Memorial in front.  The 3rd quarter was mainly scoreless as well until a big 67 yard run by Stone Memorial’s Dylan Phillips set the home team up with another goal to go situation at the 2 yard line. Maddox Oquendo would cash for the 2 yard TD to finish the drive and extend the Stone Memorial lead to 28-7 with 1:12 remaining in the 3rd quarter.  The Panthers added two more scores in the 4th quarter.  One coming on a Hunter Haney 56 yard touchdown reception and the other on a Dylan Phillips 12 yard touchdown carry, making the final score in favor of Stone Memorial 42-7.

Graphic by Josh Walker - Sweetwater High School

Game Stats

Sweetwater
Passing:  4/12  85 yards 1 TD  2 Ints
Rushing:  22 carries  12 yards

Stone Memorial
Passing:  9/22  206 yards  2 TDs
Rushing:  34 carries 196 yards  3 TDs