The Simpson Academy Cougars kicked off their season last Friday against the reigning 4A state champions Tri-County Academy. It was a tough showing for the Cougars as they fell 0-35.
Head Coach Todd Mangum acknowledged how tough the first few weeks of the season would be during the summer. He said the Cougars would be facing three reigning state championship teams to start the year.
The Cougars opened the season without their starting quarterback, Barrett McKenney, and his presence will be missed, especially early this season. Hayes Berry, a dynamic running back for the Cougars last season, stepped into the role of quarterback. Berry has been learning the position on the fly as the Cougars adapt their offense to fit what their current personnel does well.
The Cougars took some time to settle into the game on both sides of the ball. But they dug themselves into a deep hole early, falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter. The defense found their groove in the final minutes of the first quarter and forced a turnover on downs deep in their territory.
Parker Pinkerton made a spectacular play on the football on third down. The pass was tipped by a receiver, and he made a diving catch to secure what appeared to be an interception. The pass was ruled incomplete, but the play sparked the defense, leading to their first stop all game.
The Cougar offense possessed the ball to start the second quarter and had success in spots but struggled to put together a meaningful drive. Hayes Berry, Sam Smith, Parker Pinkerton, and Ben Kennedy ran the ball hard on every carry. The Cougars opted to get the ball into their playmakers’ hands quickly and Chanse Funchess was effective in the short passing game with every opportunity. But a quick Tri-County adjustment caused the Cougar offense to sputter.
The defense bowed up for a big time stop after Tri-County moved the ball to the 2-yard line looking to score. On fourth down Tri County tested the heart of the Cougar defense and was denied by junior linebacker Chase Adcock. Adcock blitzed off the left end and stopped the running back in his tracks for a turnover on downs. The Cougars put together back to back defensive stops.
Backed up on their own goal line, the Cougars kept things simple by giving the ball to their power back Ben Kennedy, who fought for some tough yards and to give his team some breathing room; however, the drive stalled near mid field. The Cougars struggled to pass the ball which led to loaded boxes from Tri-County as they committed to stopping the rushing attack. The Cougars trailed 0-21 at halftime.
Tri-County scored on a deep pass in the third quarter, and once again after putting together a good drive for the final score.
The game was one-sided, but there is much cause for optimism for SCA fans. Early defeats are not new for the Cougars. The team has been in this position as recently as last season, which ended in the state championship game.
The loss of Barrett McKenney understandably set the team back, but the coaching staff and players are well versed in overcoming adversity. The saying “it’s not how you start but how you finish” was on full display for SCA even in this game. The improvement from the first quarter to the fourth quarter was evident, especially on defense. Coach Mangum spoke to his team about taking care of the little things and paying attention to detail.
The Cougars expect to have an improved performance this Friday as they travel to take on Hartfield Academy.
