10/23/21
Complete Game Coverage: SWO - 0. James Kenan - 28. Final:
SWO - 0. JK - 28.
The Stallions charged onto the field through a curtain of orange and black smoke as Homecoming at the Corral unfolded. Unfortunately, the heavy air and lack of wind resulted in a pyrotechnic fog that just wouldn't go away. On the opening kickoff, it was still hard to see and perhaps even played a role in a special teams letdown that resulted in an 85 TD return by the Tigers Andrew Pender. And just like that... The Stallions found themselves in an early 0-7 deficit. As things played out, these were all the points the Tigers would need as the Stallions failed to score during the contest.
On the ensuing possession, the Stallions fumbled the football and setup James Kenan with great field position deep in SWO territory. SWO's 'D' rose to the occasion and pushed the Tigers back to face a seemingly insurmountable 4th-and-21 playcall. Too far for a field goal yet too close to punt, the Tigers elected to go for it on 4th-and-21. The result... Not just a first down, but a 35 yard James Kenan TD and a 14-0 lead for the Tigers.
The rest of the first half was a defensive struggle as neither team could string together a successful series of offensive plays.
Having survived the first half miscues, there was still room for optimism amongst the Homecoming crowd of Stallion faithful. The Stallions would receive the second half kickoff and there was hope that SWO could (and would) get things rolling in the final 2 quarters to provide a Homecoming victory. Sadly, that was not to be the case as the Stallions simply could not get anything going offensively.
James Kenan tried to help the Stallions by fumbling 4 times. However, a football can bounce and roll in strange ways and in each of these 4 situations, the football went right back to James Kenan as the Tigers retained possession. SWO, on the other hand, had a couple more turnovers and James Kenan would capitalize with a couple of more scores to secure the final 28-0 win.
The Stallions fall to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in the conference.
Observations - Positives
To be perfectly honest, there were not a lot of good things happening with the Stallions last evening. But I'll try to find a silver lining from beneath the smoky fog at the Corral:
- The players continued to play hard even when the outcome had been decided.
- When mistakes were made, both coaches and teammates used the situation to "coach up" rather than belittle the player who had made the mistake.
- Kickoff returns continue to be very effective and provide good field position. I predicted several weeks ago that we would eventually "take one to the house" and that hasn't happened yet. But the kick return team has done a fantastic job all season.
Things to Work On
- In a word.... Everything. I don't say this to be mean or harsh, but the Stallions simply did not play well last night. Its especially disappointing after witnessing firsthand the progress that had been made throughout the course of the season. In retrospect, perhaps the bye week was a bad thing as the Stallions reverted back to what resembled "opening game" mistakes.
Moving Ahead
- Pride. Next week, we travel to East Duplin (who just took control of their own Conference Championship destiny by knocking off Wallace-Rose Hill). Could the Panthers overlook us having just won their "Super Bowl" over WRH? Perhaps, but doubtful. There's too much at stake for them. And apparently there's still a shot the Stallions could make the playoffs. Honestly, none of that matters much to me. I just want to see the Stallions regroup and show the progress that they had made throughout the second half of the season. We'll see you in Beulaville!
Game Story (Courtesy of Jacksonville Daily News): https://www.jdnews.com/story/sports/2021/10/22/high-school-football-jacksonville-area-week-10-roundup/8520079002/
Video Highlights: https://youtu.be/7Y5QDwdRd3E
Photos (courtesy of Kay McCloskey): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1srafmwvso2g4yb/AAAiCLbUrtcXAW0j1MM1MReGa?dl=0
