Canes Fall to Pike County

It was another disappointing week for the Canes as they traveled to Pike County for a non-conference matchup. Despite a well fought game, the Canes fell short and lost 42-7.

It was a poor start to the game for the Canes as the Pirates’ quarterback was able to rush for an early touchdown to give his team a 7-0 lead. An early touchdown turned to worse as the Canes gave the ball right back to the Pirates after a turnover on downs. The Pirates then turned to the other end to score another quick touchdown; however this time, a holding call brought the touchdown back.

Sadly, the Canes could not take advantage of this call as the Pirates went down again and scored a touchdown giving them a 14-0 lead.

Looking to end the quarter, the Canes ran the ball but a Pirates’ defense forced a fumble that was recovered for a touchdown resulting in the Canes trailing 21-0 at the end of the first.

Early in the second quarter, the Canes delivered a big tackle for a loss, but this turned out to be ineffective as the Pirates went down the field to score another touchdown extending their lead to 28-0. The Canes, unable to capitalize on their possession, quickly conceded another touchdown as the Pirates scored again giving them a 35-0 lead.

At the end of the quarter, the Canes were looking to hold the Pirates on the final drive of the half. However, the Pirates were able to break through the pressure giving them a 42-0 lead over the Canes going into halftime.

The Canes came out of the halftime break explosively as they had a big rush against the Pirates. However, the Pirates regrouped and were able to intercept the ball. Back to back loose balls led to the Pirates being forced to punt.

The Canes had an excellent return giving them great field position to start their drive. The Canes did capitalize on this great field position and had a rushing touchdown to put them on the score board in the third quarter.

After an exciting first three quarters with a combined total of 49 points, a scoreless fourth quarter was filled with end to end action. Both teams forced to punt on their opening possession of the quarter led to the Canes’ possession of the ball. Looking to make something happen, the Canes tried a risky play that ended up backfiring. The Pirates were able to receive possession after picking up a loose ball. For the second time in the quarter, both teams were forced to punt as the Pirates had possession.

After a challenging game, there were still positives to be taken away from this defeat as the Canes outscored the Pirates 7-0 in the second half. Hopefully the Canes can take their second half performance and replicate it for the rest of the season especially this Friday at Rose Bowl Field as the Canes take on Greene County at 7:30 p.m.