Football Tigers best Mt’neers in high scoring contest

’neers were defeated in an away game against the Nevada Tigers on Friday, Sept. 22. The game was the team’s first defeat of the season.
The Tigers were the first to score, gaining a touchdown and PAT in first quarter. However, the Mt’neers quickly responded when Gavin Johnston capped off an offensive drive by completing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Dawson. Landon Popa followed up with a successful PAT to make the score 7-all at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Nevada scored two more touchdowns, which were followed by successful PATs to make the score 21-7 near the end of the third. However, the Mt’neers offense then took the ball to the Tigers’ one-yard line. From there, Cody Downing carried the ball into the end zone. Popa made another successful PAT to make the score 21-14.
The Tigers quickly followed up with their own touchdown and PAT, but the Mt’neers immediately responded in the last minute when Johnston completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dawson. Popa again followed up with a successful PAT, and the score was 28-21 at the end of the first half.
Near the top of the third quarter, the Tigers scored another touchdown, but an attempt at a PAT failed. But then, Johnston completed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Ryder Dampf. An attempt at a PAT missed the mark, however, when the ball bounced off the upright, making the score 34-27. The Tigers then made another touchdown, but the Mt’neers blocked their attempt at a two-point conversion, making the score 40-27 at the end of the third.
Near the top of the fourth quarter, the Mt’neers made their final touchdown of the evening when Johnston completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Juliun Hernandez. Popa followed up with a successful PAT to make the score 40-34. However, the Tigers went on to score two more touchdowns, one of which was followed up with a two-point conversion, while the other was followed by a successful PAT, making the final score 55-34.
Mt. Vernon head coach Tom Cox said that while the outcome wasn’t what he was hoping for, he was very pleased with how the team played.
“I am certainly disappointed we didn’t come away with the victory, but I was really proud of how hard we played,” he said. “These guys never give up!  When you have a matchup of two really good teams, it just about always comes down to mistakes. Unfortunately, we made some critical ones at inopportune times. Turnovers and penalties play such a huge role in the outcome of a game. We continue to emphasize ball security, good technique on our blocking and mental discipline during practice and games.”  
Cox also said that, despite the loss, there were several positive aspects to the game.
“We’re pretty banged up with injuries, but there were several bright spots,” he said. “Calvin Dawson had a great game receiving with nine catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Ryder Dampf continued his hot streak with five catches for 127 yards and one touchdown of 50 yards. Juliun Hernandez had four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, while Cody Downing added a one-yard rushing touchdown.  Landon Popa was four for five on extra points. Gavin Johnston completed 22-of-39 passes for 383 yards and four touchdowns.  On the flip side, we threw three interceptions, lost a fumble and failed to recover an onside kick, giving us five turnovers on the night.  Our defense came up with two huge interceptions.  Brody Thompson and Jake Leeper had one each.  It’s hard to win when you lose the turnover/takeaway battle.”
The following Saturday, Cox said, the team picked themselves up and began focusing on their next game.
“The good news is the sun came up on Saturday morning, and we had a great team breakfast, thanks to our awesome families,” he said. “We then stretched, had a light conditioning and strength workout, watched film and our JV had a walk-through getting ready for their next opponent. And best of all, the players got to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation after back-to-back very physical football games.”
This Friday, the Mt’neers return to Mt’neer Stadium, where they will face Springfield Catholic’s Fighting Irish. Cox said he hopes the stands are packed with Mt’neer supporters.
“It’s homecoming, so let’s pack the house,” he said. “Bleed Green!”