Cheatham County claims second consecutive 'Powder Keg' trophy

In Cheatham County, only one thing excites high school football fans more than making the playoffs or winning a game: the ‘Powder Keg’ trophy.

Sycamore and Cheatham County have battled for the rights to hoist this coveted trophy since 2001.

The Cubs earned a 21-0 victory over Sycamore to secure control of the trophy for the second consecutive year.

Cheatham County coach Eric Hatley kept his response simple after the shutout win.

“I love it,” he said.

After quarterback Landon Barnes’ 15-yard rushing touchdown late in the first quarter, the Cubs never looked back and never allowed surrendered a point.

“Anytime you win a football game it’s a beautiful thing,” Hatley said. “Especially when you’re playing county rivals and especially when it’s a regional contest. I don’t even know how to describe it.”

With the win, Cheatham County Central inches one step closer to Sycamore in the all-time series, which the War Eagles lead 9-8.

“I feel grateful to get the win especially winning at Sycamore is amazing,” Barnes said. “We set it up so if the guys next year can win it, it’ll be the first time in the rivalry that a team has won three years in a row.”

Cheatham County has defended the Powder Keg just once before winning in 2012 and 2013 while Sycamore has been crowned consecutively three times in 2001-02, 2006-07 and 2014-15.

Senior Ray Ray Sweat’s second quarter interception for a touchdown gave the Cubs complete control of the game.

“As soon as it touched my hands, I knew it was mine.” Sweat said of his defensive play. “I looked behind me and there was no one behind me, I knew I was free.”

Sweat also added a rushing touchdown in the Cubs' first shut-out win over Sycamore.

“We can celebrate now, but come Monday we have to put our head back on straight,” Sweat said. “We have to stay focused.”