Sophomore, Nolan Dacus looks for younger brother, Freshman, Landon Dacus on a pass attempt. The duo connected four times for 80 yards against Polk County.
Photo by Doodle Bivens
Photo by Doodle Bivens
With Clutch Defense and Key Plays, Sweetwater Edges Polk County 7-6
by AJ Hall and Bryan Burchfield
BENTON, TN — In a non-region clash Friday night, the Sweetwater Wildcats pulled off a gritty 7-6 road victory over the Polk County Wildcats, thanks to resilient defense and timely plays.
Sweetwater’s opening drive showed promise as they pushed into Polk County territory, only to come away empty-handed when Bryce Teutimez’s 39-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Polk County then seized momentum on their first drive, marching 77 yards in just six plays. A 17-yard touchdown run from Dillon Parnell capped the drive, putting Polk County up 6-0 with six minutes left in the first quarter. However, after the extra point try was pushed back due to a penalty, the attempt was missed. That would later haunt Polk County.
After Sweetwater’s next drive stalled, Polk County once again moved the ball deep into Sweetwater territory, but a key interception by Isaiah Stiles at the 4-yard line turned Polk County away. Both teams traded punts with Polk County pinning Sweetwater on its own 2-yard line with just over six minutes left in the half. Sweetwater then pieced together a season-highlight drive, going 98 yards in 11 plays. Ty Fitch powered in for an 8-yard touchdown, and with Teutimez’s successful extra point, Sweetwater took a 7-6 lead before halftime.
The second half continued as a defensive struggle, with both teams forced to punt on their first two possessions. After a Sweetwater punt from its own 9 yard line, Polk County started their ensuing drive with excellent field position on Sweetwater’s 33-yard line, poised to regain the lead. However, Sweetwater’s defense came through once more as Polk County quarterback Cade Brewer fumbled, with Lucas Rockholt recovering for Sweetwater at their own 36-yard line.
After failing to capitalize on the takeaway, Sweetwater would punt again in what would have given Polk County another opportunity, but a costly roughing-the-kicker penalty on Polk County extended Sweetwater’s possession. With the game clock becoming a factor, Sweetwater worked the ball into Polk County’s territory and was ultimately able to secure the win by taking a knee to run out the final seconds.
Sweetwater’s defense held Polk County to just 39 rushing yards in the second half, a stark contrast to the 146 they allowed in the first half. Freshman receiver Landon Dacus was a standout on offense, logging 80 yards on four receptions in his first start.
With the win, Sweetwater (2-7) looks to finish their season on a high note as they head to Brainerd (1-8) for their final game this Friday.
Sweetwater’s opening drive showed promise as they pushed into Polk County territory, only to come away empty-handed when Bryce Teutimez’s 39-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Polk County then seized momentum on their first drive, marching 77 yards in just six plays. A 17-yard touchdown run from Dillon Parnell capped the drive, putting Polk County up 6-0 with six minutes left in the first quarter. However, after the extra point try was pushed back due to a penalty, the attempt was missed. That would later haunt Polk County.
After Sweetwater’s next drive stalled, Polk County once again moved the ball deep into Sweetwater territory, but a key interception by Isaiah Stiles at the 4-yard line turned Polk County away. Both teams traded punts with Polk County pinning Sweetwater on its own 2-yard line with just over six minutes left in the half. Sweetwater then pieced together a season-highlight drive, going 98 yards in 11 plays. Ty Fitch powered in for an 8-yard touchdown, and with Teutimez’s successful extra point, Sweetwater took a 7-6 lead before halftime.
The second half continued as a defensive struggle, with both teams forced to punt on their first two possessions. After a Sweetwater punt from its own 9 yard line, Polk County started their ensuing drive with excellent field position on Sweetwater’s 33-yard line, poised to regain the lead. However, Sweetwater’s defense came through once more as Polk County quarterback Cade Brewer fumbled, with Lucas Rockholt recovering for Sweetwater at their own 36-yard line.
After failing to capitalize on the takeaway, Sweetwater would punt again in what would have given Polk County another opportunity, but a costly roughing-the-kicker penalty on Polk County extended Sweetwater’s possession. With the game clock becoming a factor, Sweetwater worked the ball into Polk County’s territory and was ultimately able to secure the win by taking a knee to run out the final seconds.
Sweetwater’s defense held Polk County to just 39 rushing yards in the second half, a stark contrast to the 146 they allowed in the first half. Freshman receiver Landon Dacus was a standout on offense, logging 80 yards on four receptions in his first start.
With the win, Sweetwater (2-7) looks to finish their season on a high note as they head to Brainerd (1-8) for their final game this Friday.
Graphic by Josh Walker - Sweetwater High School
Stats by Brian Nile - WMTY 98.3