A Model Win...

When I arrived here back in October it was obvious that I was not in 'Kansas' anymore. Actually, I had migrated from a small town in lower Alabama, but the reference is relevant. Lindale, GA is not lower Alabama. However, a couple of things were very apparent. You wonderful people in Lindale love your football, and you don't like Model.

The term hate would be far too negative and if we were completely honest, even saying that you 'don't' like them may be a bit shortsighted. The truth of the matter is that every story has to have an antagonist and for Pepperell the role of villain carries a pitchfork and has a bifurcated tail. For this reason, the Model game has been circled on our calendar since day 1. It would be the stick by which we could measure the progress of our program because they are the standard by which Floyd County football is currently judged and rightfully so. They have above average athletes, really good coaches, and an excited, passionate fan base. They're just a really good program.

The Model game is the kind of matchup where you desperately need for everything to go right leading up to game day. This was our hope, but it would not be our reality. Midway through the Chattooga game we were down Christian Sandoval and Isaiah Anderson both to ankle injuries that would sideline them several weeks. On Thursday JP Mullins lost his father and obviously football came to a grinding halt as our boys rallied around their teammate. In short, we had a glorified walk through for the JV and went into the Model game shorthanded and on one day of practice.

Sadly, it showed. We didn't play bad, but we were just a little off. After a strong first series on defense where Nic Kinney helped force a quick fumble that was scooped up by Ryder Hogencamp the offense set up shot deep in Model territory. Tre Chatman carried the ball for five yards on the first snap of the game. Two plays later, Tyler Barkley and Dawson Towe picked up a double team while Aycen Nichols wrap and made his way up to backer springing Payden Newberry tor the 25yard touchdown run. Wheeler Pauc added the extra point, and Pepperell was on the board.

The defense would stay a half a step slow the remainder of the half allowing several productive drives by the Model offense. Halfway through the 3rd quarter Model would find their way into the endzone on a short pass to #17. The extra point knotted up the score and sent the teams to halftime tied.

Somewhere between the last whistle of the 2nd quarter and the Kickoff of the 2nd half the Pepperell Dragons woke up, knocked off the rust and remembered how to play football. The opening drive of the 3rd quarter would be short and sweet. With the ball setting on the Pepperell 34yard line, Payden Newberry would break loose for his second touchdown of the afternoon sprinting 65 yards to paydirt behind a devasting down field block by Dawson Towe.

The defense, which had looked sluggish and a little shaky during the first half, found new life. From the first snap it was clear that something had changed as Aycen Nichols wrapped up the Model QB and slung him easily to the ground. As if the tone had not been set already the next play surely would. Model, who had nice success throwing the ball in the first half, went back to the short pass that previously moved them up and down the field. This time Tre Chatman slumped off into coverage and waited for the QB to find the crossing route. Chatman broke as the QB released his pass corralled the ball and outran the Model players 40yards to the endzone. Pepperell scored 14 points in less than 2 minutes, and they weren't about to look back.

Model's next possession was a quick three and out. The defense line stonewalled the first down play for no gain. Second down saw Blayze McCary dump the ball carrier for an 8yard loss. Then Kohen Treglown would wake from his slumber to sack the qb for a 10yard loss. A nice punt return by McCary set up Pepperell's second possession on the Model 31yard line. Shortly after, Chance Hopper found Ryder Hogencamp on a quick slant with no one between him and the goal line. 28-7

Pepperell continued to apply suffocating pressure to Model's offense. Tre Chatman stepped in front of a quick key game pass and plucked down his second interception of the half setting Pepperell up on the Model 35yard line. Four plays later Chatman would follow big Tyler Barkley through the B gap and weave his way through traffic for the 22yard touchdown securing a 35-7 lead as the 3rd quarter drew to a close.

Model was not able to muster another successful drive as Tyler Barkley, Aycen Nichols and the rest of Pepperell's defense hounded and smothered the Blue Devil offense. The Pepperell offense kept the pressure on with long catch and runs by both Barkley and McCary. Pepperell's Newberry would end the day with a 32yard scamper to the endzone unfortunately nullified by a holding call. After a slow start, Pepperell put the pieces together and played Pepperell football, downing their previously undefeated rival 35-7 and keeping their own unblemished record intact.

Next Up: Coosa