The Simpson Academy Cougars kicked off their postseason with a bang defeating Heritage Academy 47-21. SCA took control of the game early and dominated both sides of the ball for a convincing win.
Barrett McKenney connected with Chanse Funchess early in the first quarter for a 45-yard pass to put the Cougars near the goal line. Ben Kennedy finished off the drive with a 3 yard rushing touchdown that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Heritage was able to score in the first quarter but was shut out the remainder of the first half. The Cougars, on the other hand, broke the game open with 26 points scored in the second quarter. The Cougars punted to start the second quarter with great coverage by the punt team. Braden Duncan was able to get a helmet on the football as the Heritage return man fielded the punt, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Kane Butler and setting up the offense to take over on the 5 yard line for first and goal.
Ben Kennedy plowed ahead on the next play for his second rushing touchdown of the game to give his team a 14-7 lead. The Cougar defense swarmed the Patriots, allowing little room to breathe. A desperate pass from the Patriots’ quarterback was intercepted by Braden Duncan for his second turnover of the game. He returned the interception to the 40-yard line, giving the offense excellent field position again.
Barrett McKenney led the offense onto the field, where they executed a nearly flawless drive. McKenney connected with Chase Adcock for an 8-yard touchdown pass to put the Cougars ahead 20-7.
The Patriots’ offensive struggles continued, and the Cougars ramped up their pressure, putting the opposing quarterback under constant duress. The Patriots set up to punt the ball and it was partially blocked. Sam Smith caught the punt on the move and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown.
Momentum rested solely with the Cougars and they rode it to a big second quarter. They went on to score again before halftime on a reverse pass that saw Hayes Berry complete a pass to Barrett McKenney for a touchdown to put the Cougars ahead 33-7.
Ben Kennedy scored his third touchdown in the third quarter on a 20 yard rushing attempt. Kennedy broke five tackles on his way to the endzone for a touchdown. The Cougars led 40-14 entering the fourth quarter. This allowed coaches to get some younger players into the game for some playoff experience.
The Cougars coasted to a 47-21 victory as they advanced to the second round. They will have an opportunity to face a familiar opponent as they travel to play Leake Academy this Friday. The team is locked in and prepared to make another run at the state championship.
