MS ‘Canes Win in Greensboro
The MS ‘Canes traveled to Greene County last week and picked up their third win of the season when they defeated Carson Middle School in Greensboro 14-6.
The ‘Canes came out strong on their first series and it only took them five plays to put 6 on the board. Xavier Chapman kicked the extra point and they led 7-0.
The Tigers also attempted to show some muscle on their first series and got all the way to the ‘Cane nine yard line, first and goal. That’s when the ‘Canes established their dominance by backing them up to the 32 yard line and taking the ball away on downs.
The ‘Canes did fumble the ball over on their next possession, but immediately got it back when Mitchell Bishop intercepted a pass.
After two exchanges of possession the ‘Canes started to roll again from their own 27 yard line. Receiver Brady McMichael hauled in 38 and 10 yard receptions to put the ‘Canes in scoring position on the Tigers eight yard line. On fourth and goal from the one yard line the offensive line surged and quarterback Chapman plunged in for the score, kicked the extra point and the ‘Canes led 14-0 with 37 seconds left in the first half.
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That’s when the ‘Canes made their first mistake by relaxing on the kickoff, and the Tigers ran it back for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was no good and the half ended with the ‘Canes up 14-6.
In the second half the Tigers threatened on their first possession, but were stopped by back to back sacks by nose tackle Brandon Barger and linebacker Chris Thomas.
The remainder of the second half evolved into a defensive battle, although Thomas did score a touchdown that was called back on a penalty. But the ‘Cane defense never faltered or was threatened. Except for the kickoff return, the Tigers were shut down and the game ended with the MS ‘Canes victorious.
Head Coach Michael Williams summed up the win when he said, “We stuck to running the ball a little more and a lot of play action. Their corners were walking up, which did enable us to still pass the ball successfully. And our line did a better job of protecting our quarterback and giving him time to let the play develop. We probably could have scored more, but during the second half we stuck to the run and just preserved the victory.”
The team was scheduled to play Loganville at home last night. The score of that game was too late for this edition. However, the scenario is that the ‘Canes needed to win that game by 11 points or more in order to host the first play off game.
If they lost or won by less than 11 points they still will make the play-offs, but will have to travel the first game. The time and place are still to be determined.