Southwest High School

9/21/24
Complete Game Coverage: SWO - 14. WRH - 32.

Final: SWO - 14. WRH - 32.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but hyperlinks are not working. You will need to copy-and-paste the URL in order to access the photos and videos.

Photos (courtesy of Kay McCloskey): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zjw23dgz5zxlls3i2xe9j/AGeYMk0zQWobokxju6X-4go?rlkey=wyig8ea2hfoo4ezv3pvlpxj1e&st=u2it3e5x&dl=0

Stallion Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP3gyEkOA74

Stable Talk Postgame Analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbzBaHVLig&t=2s

It's always exciting to play a game at Wallace Rose Hill. The stadium has it's share of nostalgia and mystique to go along with many, many years of great games, players, and coaches. The stadium is like no other with it's "Giant Box of Chinese Food" press box and cinder block walls a mere 18" beyond the endzone pylon (how this EVER passes a safety inspection, I'll never know). But it's the home of the Bulldogs and, once again, they prevailed under the Friday Night Lights via a 32-14 dismantling of the Stallions.

I was optimistic coming into this game. I really thought the Stallions had a better than 50% chance of winning. And, for the first quarter or so, I was feeling pretty smart (and confident). We were playing well and held the lead through the middle of Q2. But it was a slim lead that could have been significantly larger had the Stallions not missed on multiple big play opportunities. Mere inches resulted in incomplete passes that could have otherwise been touchdowns and a commanding lead. Unfortunately, we couldn't put the Bulldogs away early thus allowing the Bulldogs to put us away late.

On the other side of the ball, the Stallion defense simply could not contain Wallace's rushing attack. The old saying states, "Speed Kills." And Wallace certainly had plenty of speed ammunition in form of #7, #1, and #3. These 3 consistently outraced our guys to the corner and chewed up large chunks of yardage while tiptoeing along the sidelines. Throw in some missed tackles and it spelled a long night for the Stallion defenders. When we did force Wallace to punt, we came oh-so-close to a punt block on 3 different occasions. Add those to the list of potential big plays missed by mere inches.

On a positive note, the Stallion offense was able to move the ball consistently and I really like the passing attack led by Jr. QB Jonathan Pittman. The young man can sling the football! However, this is still all relatively new to the SWO offense and, in time, those big plays that missed by inches will become part of the highlight reel.

The Stallion ground game was solid in the power sets. In particular, Sr. FB Jacob Smith stood out, collecting both Stallion TDs! However, we are currently lacking the "Homerun Hitter" type of back who is a threat to take it to the house. Sr. KJ Blue is still sidelined with an injury and I have hopes that whenever he returns, that KJ will provide a welcome spark to the offense.

One other observation... In spite of what I would describe as a "demoralizing" defeat, there was no quit in the team. The players and coaches fought hard until the final whistle.

Next week the Stallions return home to take on N. Lenoir. It's what I would call a "Must Win" game for SWO and I expect the Stallions to do just that!

PS - Nice job by the Stallion fans in attendance last night in Wallace!

Here's a recap of the action:

WRH wins toss and elects to kickoff. TRICK PLAY! WRH attempts an onside kick and recovers. However, the ball did not travel 10 yards prior to WRH recovery. Therefore, the Stallions take possession near midfield

SWO fumbles the snap and turns the ball back over to Wallace.

Stallion D forces a 3-and-out and gets the ball back in good field position

Pittman converts 3rd and long with a nice reception by Ethan Watson @ WRH 30 yard line

Pittman again converts a long 3rd down with a nice catch and run by Tyler Randolph. First and goal for SWO!

Jacob Smith bulls up the middle for a TD and puts the Stallions up 7-0.

Outstanding play by the SWO Offensine Line on this possession. Great pass protection and run blocking.

The Bulldogs respond quickly with a nice TD drive of their own. PAT is no good and the Stallions still lead 7-6

Pittman is hit as he throws and the Bulldogs come away with an interception to stop a promising Stallion drive

WRH converts on 4th-and-1 near midfield. From there, the Bulldogs begin running wide with great success resulting in a go-ahead TD. 2-pt conversion is stopped and WRH leads 12-7 with 8:33 remaining in the half

SWO pinned deep on own 10 after a misplayed kickoff return.

The Stallions with a nice drive to the WRH 45 but come up short on 4th down. WRH takes over with 3:16 left in the half

WRH dominating on the ground and easily marches downfield for another TD. Once again, the Stallions stop the 2-pot conversion but WRH leads 18-7 going into the halftime break

WRH takes 2nd half kickoff and effectively puts the game away with a demoralizing TD drive (all on the ground)

Pittman hurt with 5:54 left in Q3 and has to sit out the next 2 series

WRH completes is first (and only, I think) pass of the game for 30 yard TD and increases the lead to 32-7

Pittman returns and leads the Stallions on a nice drive with key receptions by Randolph and Roo Chapman

Jacob Smith collects his second TD with 4:10 remaining and Santos adds the PAT

Final: SWO-14. WRH-32.

GO STALLIONS!!!

#OnceaStallionAlwaysaStallion