Linebacker Bryson Helm (20) makes a tackle on Alcoa's Tyler Robinson.
photo by
Ken Wallace
Despite a scrappy effort against four-time defending state champion Alcoa High School, Marion County came up short on the road Friday night, losing 30-14.
The Warriors (11-3) were trailing only 16-14 with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Alcoa scored on a 23-yard touchdown pass form Chase James to Tyler Robinson.
Marion County came out on the next series and threw an interception, which soon resulted in a Taharin Tyson touchdown for Alcoa, and the game was out of reach.
“They have a heck of a football team,” said Warrior coach Troy Boeck. “They were better than I thought watching them on film.”
Alcoa (13-1), which has beaten most of its opponents by large margins in recent seasons, appeared ready to do the same against Marion County.
The Tornadoes scored on their first drive, with Jaron Toney taking the ball across the goal line from 12 yards with 9:54 to go.
Alcoa went ahead 10-0 after a 26-yard field goal by Sam Thompson with 1:20 in the second quarter.
However, Marion County refused to quit. With some hard running and good catching by Nick Wells and Joe Muir and pinpoint passing by Chris Martin, the Warriors came roaring back.
With the ball at the Alcoa 25-yard line and only seconds remaining before halftime, Wells caught the ball near the sideline. He initially looked as if he should try to get out of bounds to stop the clock, but, through some determined running, scored to make the game 10-6.
With the PAT by Tyler Sweeton – who also plays the drums in the marching band – the Warriors trailed only 10-7 at halftime.
Alcoa went ahead 16-7 early in the third quarter on a James-to-Thompson 47-yard pass.
Marion still refused to quit and came back to cut the score to 16-14 late in the third quarter on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Martin to Cliff Wilson. Corpeio Brocks also made a long reception and run on the drive.
The loss in the semifinal Class 2A state playoff game ended the deepest run for the Warriors since 1995, when future Tennessee player Keith Westmoreland helped lead the Ken Colquette-coached squad to the state championship.
As a result, Boeck was quite pleased with the season.
“Coming off a 5-6 year, this was a good campaign,” he said. “Give our seniors a lot of credit.”
Jcshearer2@comcast.net
Marion County junior Carpeio Brocks (14) escapes the tackle of Alcoa's Conner Miles.
photo by
Ken Wallace