The Adair County Indians football team suffered a tough, hard-fought loss Friday night to its district and region foe, the Monroe County Falcons with a score of 26-19. Adair County came into the game with a 3-0 record while Monroe County came in at 3-1 on the year.
Monroe County would receive the ball first to start the game. After starting in its own territory, a long pass completion would put them down in Indians territory early in this one. Adair County’s defense would hold strong though when several plays later, Austin Roy would step in the path of a Monroe County target for the interception.
On the pursuing possession, Adair County would quickly give the ball back to the Falcons by way of a fumble on an option play from quarterback Jake Hixson to running back Arron Bernard. Monroe County would take over on the Adair County 13 yard line and eventually punch it in for a touchdown for the first score of the game. The extra point made it 7-0 in favor of the Falcons early in the first quarter.
Adair County would take control on its own 27 yard line after the kickoff but its drive would once again end early due to a Jason Miller fumble. On the Falcons’ next possession, Hixson would come away with Adair’s second defensive interception of the game and set up another chance for the Indians to capitalize on the turnover. Adair would miss the opportunity to pick up any points as the
Falcons would force the Indians to punt after marching to near midfield.
A three and out forced by the defense gave Adair County good field position after a punt remained in Falcons’ territory. A long pass completion from Hixson to Chance Melton put the Tribe down to the 15 and a pass to Ethan Brown would result in a touchdown. Extra point would be good by kicker Brandon Burton to make the score even at 7-7.
Adair County’s defense would allow a long passing touchdown on the Falcons next possession but a missed field goal would only give them six points on the drive. Monroe County would now lead 13-7 with 9:47 left in the first half.
Several possessions later, Adair County would come away with a fumble recovery on a dropped punt return by the Falcons with little time left in the second quarter. Hixson would hit Melton on a short pass but he gained several yards after the catch to get down to the Falcons ‘32 yard line. A defensive pass interference call would get them even closer and a pass to Roy would put them
threatening at the 6 yard line with only seconds remaining in the half. Adair County would fail to put up any points after two incomplete passes; halftime score was 13-7 in favor of Monroe County.
After receiving in the second half, Adair County would go to work from its own 16 yard line. Halfback DaQuan Smith would help the Indians with several great runs up the middle; Hixson contributed 15 yards on the ground in a drive that would result in a touchdown after a Hixson pass to Drake Bishop. The Falcons would block the extra point to make the score 13-13 with a little under 5:00 to go in the third quarter.
Another Monroe County score would give them a 19-13 lead but Adair would respond once again. A big passing play from Hixson to Melton would end up being a 33 yard gain; Hixson would scramble for a first down on a quarterback keeper then after two runs by Smith, Hixson would connect on a touchdown pass to Roy to tie the game once again at 19-19 after Brandon Burton missed the extra point.
A big kickoff return by the Falcons would put them into Indians’ territory to start their next drive. After a false start made it 1st & 15, Monroe County would only need two running plays to get into the end zone, making the score 26-19 with a successful extra point.
Adair would be forced to punt on its ensuing possession and after a big sack by Gerard Smith brought up 4th and long for the Falcons. They also would be forced to punt on its possession, giving the Indians some hope to even the score once again.
On their final possession, Adair County would begin deep in their own territory at the 13 yard line. After a 7 yard pass to Bernard made it 4th and 4, an option pitch to Bernard would give the Indians a first down and keep their hopes alive. Later a pass to Roy would give the Indians another first down but after a big sack by Monroe County a few plays later, Adair County would again be forced with a 4th down but this time even longer, at 4th and 13. Coming out of a timeout, Hixson’s pass would be intercepted to end the hopes for the Indians.
Monroe County would run the clock out and take the 26-19 win giving Adair County its first loss of the season.
Indians Coach Travis Gay said after the loss, “Thought we gave a good effort. We just missed way too many opportunities and made way too many mistakes. We have to clean up turnovers and stop allowing big plays in defense. We have to tackle and take care of the ball.”
The Indians will travel to Russell County to take on the rival Lakers Friday, Sept. 27 with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Lakers will come into the game with a 3-1 record.
By Josh Withers
Sports Writer
Senior wide receiver Austin Roy returns an interception down field for the Indians. The Indians suffered their first loss of the season Friday night against Monroe County.
