Class 1 District 4 Football: #6 Scotland County Falls to #3 Putnam County in Quarterfinal Matchup
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By: Weston Smith
Scotland County traveled to Putnam County High School on Friday for the first round of the Class 1 District 4 Football tournament. The two teams faced off once during the regular season in a homecoming battle that took place at Scotland County High School early in October. Putnam County defeated Scotland County in that matchup, and the Tigers traveled to Unionville this week hoping to avenge their homecoming loss.
Both defenses stood their ground early in the contest. Near the end of the first half, Scotland County mounted a drive into Putnam County territory on the back of Senior Beau Triplett. After slowly rushing their way into the red zone, the Tigers faced a 4th and 1 at the goal line. On the 52nd play of the game, Triplett dove into the end zone to put Scotland County on the board first. Owen Brown added an extra point to send the contest to halftime with a score of Scotland County 7, Putnam County 0.
Scotland County would get the ball back to start the second half of play. On the opening play of the second half, Triplett broke free again for what looked to be an 80 yard kick return, before a flag and block in the back penalty brought the play back to the Tiger’s 27 yard line. Both defenses took turns getting stops at mid-field to end quarter number three.
With 9:00 remaining in the game, Putnam County made their first push into Scotland County territory. On 2nd and 1 from the goal line, the Midgets pushed their way across the goal line to put their first points of the night on the board. Putnam County would attempt the two point conversion. Tiger senior Vince Dale had different plans. Dale busted through the line of scrimmage and sacked Putnam County’s quarterback to keep the lead with the tigers. Scotland County 7, Putnam County 6.
With 3:00 remaining in the game, Putnam County’s offense got the ball back in good field position. Shortly after, the midgets found their way to the end zone again. This time, on a 24 yard rush up the middle. Putnam County attempted the two point conversion yet again. This time successfully completing a pass to the right side of the endzone to take a 14-7 lead with 3:00 remaining in the game. Scotland County’s offense turned the ball over on downs at mid-field to end the contest with a final score of Putnam County 14, Scotland County 7.
Beau Triplett rushed 30 times for 123 yards and a touchdown. Triplett also led the team in tackles with 10.
Trent Mallet rushed 8 times for 31 yards and added 7 tackles.
Layne Stott recorded 7 tackles.
Marcus Smith recorded 6 tackles and recovered a fumble.
Levi Stott recorded an interception.
As a writer, sometimes it is hard to acknowledge everyone that deserves it. So many hard nosed competitors go unnoticed each week. With football season coming to an end, I would like to end this week’s article with a sincere “Tip of the Cap” to the following seniors who played four years of football as Scotland County Tigers. It has been a fun journey to follow as both a writer and a fan.
Beau Triplett:
Beau may be Iron Man. He’s tough, durable, smart, and selfless. He rushed 221 times this season, and was hit hard on 70% of those carries. In two years, I haven’t seen him take a play off. With Beau being a senior, I’m sure he has been told “play this play like it’s your last.” Beau has played every play of the last two years like it was his last.
Vince Dale:
Vince is a fierce competitor. Skilled enough to be a quarterback, running back, tight end, and lineman. He does what his team needs. It isn’t about his stat line, it’s about the pancake blocks he can deliver to make his teammates’ stats look better. If I was a quarterback, one person I wouldn’t want to see is #12. He sets a great example for future tigers, and smiles at the opportunity to do so.
Owen Brown:
Owen can do it all. Quarterback, punter, kicker, receiver, and line. You name a spot, he probably knows how to play it. He’s smart and he’s one that doesn’t fear hard work. When football season first started, I saw Owen lifting weights before school, only to practice for 3 hours after school.
Mason Parson:
If you need help moving a refrigerator, call Mason (or Mr. Mason – as my kids call him). He’s such a strong kid, yet so soft spoken. He leads by example, not with words said. If there was an award given for players that would be most missed when not available, I think Mason would be near the top of that list for the Tigers.
Bristol Alexander, Logan Buford, Austin Curry, Marcus Smith, and Layne Stott:
All were quick studies this football season. The Tigers were struggling with numbers, and these 5 answered that call. Carrying a significant workload, and making this season a fun one to follow.
Best of luck to all of these Seniors as they close their Scotland County Football chapter.
