photo by Joe Imel/Daily News
The Greenwood Gators established a 17-6 halftime lead as the offense showed their ability to move the ball. Greenwood also took advantage of a mistake, recovering a Nelson County fumble on a kickoff return where the Gators recovered inside the 10 yard line. The Gator offense took advantage of the good field position as Joe Combs scored from 2 yards out.
With over ten minutes to go in the third quarter Greenwood QB Jeff Witthuhn connected with Tanner Spangler on a 41 yard TD pass to give the Gators a commanding 24-6 lead.
One would think all the momentum is on Greenwood's side to this point, right? Well, this is football where momentum can shift swiftly in the blink of an eye. As my eyes blinked, Nelson County's John Harrison picked up a fumble on the ensuing kickoff for a 70 yard touchdown return. Greenwood 24, Nelson Co. 13.
On Nelson County's next possession, running back Quentin Brooks took a handoff and found the sideline where he outran Greenwood's secondary for a 64 yard touchdown run. The two point attempt failed. Greenwood 24, Nelson County 19.
Nelson County quarterback/punter/kicker Daniel Mudd added a field goal with ten minutes to play in the fourth quarter to cut Greenwood's lead to 24-22.
On the Gators ensuing possession they were forced to punt but that kick never came as Travis Casebeer mishandled the punt and fell to the ground giving the Cardinals offense great field position.
Nelson County gives the ball to their leathal weapon Quentin Brooks and he scores on a 17 yard touchdown run. Two point conversion failed. Nelson County 28, Greenwood 24.
Greenwood answers in desperation as Witthuhn connects with Tanner Spangler on a 36 yard pass down the middle of the field and the Gators are on Nelson County's 2 yard line. Going in for the score, Tanner Thompson takes the handoff and fumbles at the goal line and Nelson County recovers in the end zone for a touch back.
There was a lot of questions surrounding the fumble, was Thompson down before the ball came out? Or was it an actual fumble? From my view point I thought he was down by contact but you can't fault the referee's call in that situation, especially without instant replay options.
Nelson County's Daniel Mudd sealed the deal with 19 yard run and the clock expired on this comeback thriller. If these two teams played ten times they would probably win five games a piece, they were that closely matched in talent.
Gameday Knowledge
Nelson County's whole offensive scheme ran through quarterback Daniel Mudd rolling out looking for a pass then tucking the ball and running down field. The Cardinals were able to pick up huge chunks of yards with this type of play calling.
Running back Quentin Brooks ran wild over the Gator defense the whole night accounting for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is an effortless runner that makes his cuts, fakes, and spins look as easy as if he were strutting down the street.
Nelson County has 19 seniors on their roster and they showed no panic when they were down 24-6 early in the third quarter. Experienced teams have been there and done that, they simply know how to win.
I have a feeling that these two teams will meet again come playoff time.
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