The Simpson Academy Cougars fell to 0-3 after another tough game against Adams County Christian Academy.
The Cougars have shown improvement each week and put forth a valiant effort in their 14-28 defeat. ACCS is the reigning 5A state champion, and the Cougars were able to compete.
The Cougars started the game undermanned as they have been dealing with injuries most of the season. Star running back and backup quarterback Hayes Berry missed his second game of the season, giving way to Brady McKenney to get his first start. McKenney was able to get some playing time the week before and looked comfortable in his first start.
The Cougars came in with a different look on offense in a tight wing formation and repeatedly rushed for positive yards. Carries by Ben Kennedy, Chanse Funchess, and Sam Smith were effective. Braden Duncan was also in the mix and was able to pick up positive yards on the Cougars’ opening drive that ended on a play action bootleg pass from the 8 yard line of fourth down.
McKenney was able to get a pass off on the run that fell short of tight end James Henry Robinson’s reach. The drive did not end in points, but it was one of the best offensive sequences the Cougars have had all season.
Defensively the Cougars were sound throughout most of the game. ACCS scored their first points on a safety, and the following touchdown was set up by the kick return. The Cougar defense held ACCS to 8 points in the first half. ACCS struck again in the third quarter with a great pass over the middle for a touchdown.
The Cougars fell to 21-0 at one point in the fourth quarter. However, they came alive after a deep pass from McKenney was corralled by Funchess for a 43 yard gain. It was a momentum boosting play.
McKenney completed another pass to Adcock leading to a first down. This play set up the Cougars’ first touchdown of the season on a jump ball thrown by McKenney to Funchess in the back of the endzone.
Funchess and McKenney connected for another touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the final score of 14-28.
It was a good showing in the fourth quarter by the Cougars and they will look to build on this momentum as they face East Rankin Academy this week at home. Game time is 7 p.m.
