Macon County Falls to Portland
The MCHS Tigers end their 2015 season with a loss to Portland by a final score of 32-19.
They end with a record of 5 and 5 and just outside the playoff picture.
The Tigers took the opening kick-off and marched right down the field. Matt Austin ran it in from 10 yards out and Marshall Avera kicked the PAT to make it 7-0. Portland answered with a score but missed the two point attempt and Macon still led 7-6. The Tigers scored on their second possession when Seth Carlisle converted a 3rd down for a 35 yard touchdown run. The PAT kick failed and Macon led 13-6. Portland answered right back to score again but missed the two point conversion to make it 12-13, and Macon still leading. As time was running out in the half, the Tigers make a goal line stand at the 1 yard line but give up a 70 yard interception for a touchdown as time expired in the first half. Portland again failed to convert the two point try but the Panthers would take their first lead and at the half the score was 18-13 Portland.
After a first half with all offense, both defenses stiffened. Neither team scored in the 3rd period but Macon did fumble the ball on the Panther 5 yard line midway in the quarter. Midway in the 4th the Tigers punted and Portland returned the punt for a 40 yard touchdown. Portland would add the two point conversion and led 24-13. Macon came back and scored on a 1 yard sneak by Seth Carlisle late in the 4th quarter but the PAT was blocked and the Tigers trailed 19-26. The Tigers got the ball back but just didn’t have enough time to score. Portland intercepted and ran it back to the Macon 1 with 3.9 seconds and decided to tack on one more touchdown as time expired. Final score Portland 32 Macon Co 19.
In the game Seth Carlisle was 5 of 12 for 83 yards and 2 INTs while adding 157 yards rushing on 20 carries with 2 TDs. Matt Austin would have 93 yards on the ground on 22 carries with 1 TD. Tanner Cleary had 2 catches for 35 yards, Evan Perrigo had 2 catches for 29 yards, and Jason Sewell had 1 catch for 19 yards. Linebacker Dylan Butler led all tacklers in the game with 11 tackles, and 1 for a loss. Macon had more 1st downs, more total yards, and led time of possession, but lost the turnover margin, -3/+3.
On the season Junior Linebacker Dylan Butler ends the year with an impressive 84 tackles to lead the defense. Junior lineman Tyler Swindle is second with 81 tackles while Senior Cornerback Evan Perrigo(43) and Senior Defensive End AJ Simpson(44) round out the top four. Sophomore Quarterback Seth Carlisle finishes the season with 1451 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns while Senior Matt Austin adds 828 yards and 9 scores. Receiving Evan Perrigo has 18 catches for 375 yards and 4 scores, Junior Tanner Cleary has 14 catches for 186 yards 2 TDs, and Senior Tyler Carlisle has 18 catches for 162 yards and 1 TD. Seth Carlisle was 63 of 130 for 886 yards with 7TDs and 11 INTs in the 2015 campaign.
So we say goodbye to the MCHS Senior Class of 2016. These kids have played some great football and we wish them the very best in whatever the future brings. We want to thank everyone involved with the Tiger program, from players and coaches to fans and parents, in making the 2015 a season to remember.
(Photos by Julie Collins)