The Ads travelled to Maryville on Friday night for the final out-of-region game of the season to take on the defending state champion Rebels. Friday also marked the return on of Head Coach Eddie Courtney, just 9 days removed from prostate cancer surgery, as he coached from the press box.
Farragut won the toss and elected to defer the option to the 2nd half, so the Rebels received the opening kickoff. The Admiral defense would hold strong, but the Rebels would be bailed out by two penalties on third down, and a fourth down penalty. The Rebels would score on a 2 yard run that gave them a 7-0 lead 5:46 left in the first. The Admiral offense took over at their own 20 and began to march down the field, gaining 22 yards on the ground, before quarterback Dawson Moore’s first pass attempt of the night was intercepted by Maryville. The Ads would again hold strong, this time forcing a Maryville punt from their own end zone. The Admirals offense took the field again, this time just shy of midfield. Similar results ensued, as Dawson Moore would throw his second interception of the night to end the drive.
The Rebels took over at their own 32 after the interception. The drive would be cut short after their quarterback ran, fumbled, and Joe Maine recovered the ball. Farragut’s offense started the drive at the Admiral 27 looking for points before halftime. The ensuing 10 play drive saw just one pass attempt, a 14 yard completion to Alex Taylor on third down, as the Ads picked up 41 yards on the ground. Farragut was unable to convert on a 3rd and 5. Reese Keeney was called in to attempt a 37 yard field goal, which was successful and cut the Rebel lead to 7-3 with 2:12 left before halftime. The Admiral defense looked to hold strong before halftime and leave a one possession game as the Ads were set to get the ball after half. A storyline like the one that began the game for the Rebel offense ensued. Maryville would again be helped by penalties and capped the drive off with an 11 yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-3 at halftime.
Farragut opened the second half with the ball and the drive looked to be a promising one, but an untimely Eli Purcell fumble ended the drive. The Rebels wasted no time answering, as they scored on the first play of the drive via a 66 yard touchdown run and extended their lead to 21-3 with 9:11 left in the 3rd. The Ads looked to answer, but a short run, an incompletion, and a short QB scramble forced a Brady Hodges punt. Maryville started the next drive at their own 45 and three plays in, took it 46 yards on a quarterback keep from the wildcat formation, extending their lead to 27-3, after a missed PAT. Farragut took over and marched from their own 20 to the Rebel 25, but a fumble, recovered by Farragut, a penalty, and three straight incompletions killed the drive.
The Admiral defense again took the field and were able to force a turnover on downs after Corey Walker batted down the Rebel pass attempt on fourth down. Farragut’s offense struggled to get jump started as a minus yard rush and two incompletions ended the Admiral drive. The Rebels took over and embarked on a 13 play drive that ended with the Admiral defense holding strong on at the 3 yard line and stopping Maryville from scoring with :49 left to play. The Ads took over at their own three, but without time, the drive ended as the clock ran out and Maryville beat Farragut 27-3.
Farragut drops to 3-2 on the season but are 1-0 in region play. The Ads return to region play next week as they travel to Johnson City and take on the Hilltoppers from Science Hill. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm, and please stayed tuned to the Farragut Football Twitter account for ticket information.
A special thanks to Carlos Reveiz and Ashley Wathen of CRFOTO for the action shots from the game. Be sure to checkout CRFOTO.com every week for a full photo gallery from Friday’s game. See a photo you like? They are also available for purchase directly from his website. Click here for this week’s photos.
