Tigers drop season opener to Smith County
The Macon County Tigers opened their 2019 football season with Smith County at Pat Parker Memorial Field.
The Owls came out on top by a score of 13-9.
The Owls came out on top by a score of 13-9.
With 3:24 left in the first quarter Ethan Jenkins hit Landon Whittemore on a halfback pass from the eight yard line for the first score of the game. Ryan Underwoods attempt was no good and the Tigers led 6-0.
The Owls came right back and scored on a 43 yard run by John Hord on two missed tackles. With 10:24 left in the half the Tigers blocked the Owl PAT and the game was tied 6 to 6.
The after a Tiger punt the Owls converted a 57 yard touchdown pass on busted Tiger pass coverage. The PAT was good and at the 5:49 mark of the first half Smith County led 13-6.
The Tigers were not satisfied and marched right back down the field. Ryan Underwood was able to kick 30 yard field goal for the Tigers with 0:24 left in the half. Halftime score Owls 13 Tigers 9.
Both teams had opportunities in the second half. The Owls were driving late and the Tigers defense held inside their own 20 yard line to give the offense a chance. Macon was able to drive down inside the Owl five but couldn’t get the ball in.
The Owls took over at their own 20 and instead of taking a knee three times, decided to run a play. The back fumbled the ball and Tiger Dylan Chupp came out of the pile with the ball. Somehow the Owls were given the ball back, with no explination by the officiating crew out of Nashville. Final score Owls 13 Tigers 9.
For the game Jon Mark Gammons was 3 of 6 passing for 106 yards and 2 interceptions adding one rush for five yards. Ethan Jenkins was 2 of 3 passing for 16 yards with a TD and an interception. Rushing Jenkins had 13 carries for 45 yards, Isaac Belton 13 carries for 27 yards, Austin Robinson 5 carries for 22 yards, Dylan Chupp 4 carries for 13 yards, Cameron Houston 2 carries for 3 yards, and Landon Whittemore 1 carry for 6 yards. Landon Whittemore had 4 catches for 62 yards and Cameron Mercer had 1 catch for 60 yards.
Macon turned the ball over three times inside the Owl 20 yard line. It’s hard to win carrying that stat in any ballgame.
Next week Macon will travel to Westmoreland for another rival game against the Eagles. Game time is scheduled for 7 pm.
(Photos by Julie Collins)
