Welcome to our new web site!
To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.
During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.
McKENZIE (November 13) — The McKenzie High School Rebels hosted Adamsville Friday in the second round of the TSSAA Class 2A State Football Playoffs. It was a rematch of the teams’ final game of the regular season two weeks ago. After losing a nail-biter in overtime in that road game, the Rebels avenged the loss in a big way with a 31-0 home win to advance to the quarterfinals.
McKenzie won the coin toss and deferred possession to the second half.
The Cardinals were pinned deep at their own 7 and went three-and-out. Chaz Sanders punted, and Rebel Will Latimer made a fair catch at the Adamsville 40.
Rebel quarterback Jackson Cassidy threw incomplete on first down, but the Cardinals were flagged for pass interference to make it first down at the 25. Cassidy kept and the McKenzie offensive line pushed the pile for eleven yards. On the next play, Cassidy’s pass was tipped and intercepted by Cardinal Colton Howard at the 19.
Adamsville earned one first down before punting again. Latimer made the fair catch at the Rebel 25.
The Rebels went three-and-out. Zach Aird punted, and Sanders made a good return to the McKenzie 30.
Cardinal quarterback Lathan Morris threw incomplete, then A.J. Finley was stopped for a loss by Rebels Jordan Woods and Chris Barnett. The game was then delayed several minutes as a dog ran loose on the field. When play resumed, Morris threw to Howard for 22 yards down to the 9. Finley then ran twice for no net gain. On third-and-goal, Morris threw an interception to Latimer, who made the catch while falling out of bounds at the 1.
Rebel Marquez Taylor started the drive with an 18-yard gain, then repeated for 15. Two plays later, on third-and-seven, Cassidy scrambled and threw to Zay Webber for eleven yards and a first down. Taylor ran for another eleven to move the chains again as the first frame ended with no score. Cassidy started the second with a keeper for ten yards. Three plays later, going for it on fourth-and-seven, Cassidy connected with Webber but short of the first down.
The Cardinals took over at their 22 and went three-and-out. Latimer received the punt near midfield.
Cassidy kept for 12 yards, then threw incomplete to Logan Lyles. Adamsville was called for pass interference to make it first down at the 26. Taylor moved the chains again on two tries, the Lyles ran for three. Taylor then went ten yards for a touchdown. Aird kicked the point-after, and McKenzie led 7-0 with seven minutes to play in the first half.