WILLIAMSBURG — Too little, too late.
Whitley County spotted visiting Madison Southern a 29-0 lead before rallying to cut its deficit to 29-20 late in the fourth quarter.
The Colonels’ never got any closer as Ethan Moore was unstoppable, rushing for a four scores, and returning an interception for a touchdown to lead the Eagles to a 43-20 win over Whitley County.
Matt Rhymer’s Colonels will take a 5-5 record into the Class 4A playoffs next week. They’ve lost four of their last six games.
“Madison Southern has a solid team all the way around and deserved a lot of credit,” Rhymer said. “We got behind early and had to fight back to have a chance. Our kids played hard and we had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. I was proud of our seniors and the effort they gave. They have played as hard as anyone could ask a group to play. It was a disappointment to lose but we have a lot to learn from and keep improving.”
Madison Southern scored early and often during the first half while putting the game away early.
Ethan Moore scored on a 43-yard run (9:39 left in the first quarter) while the Eagle defense stopped the Colonels on fourth and goal at the Madison Southern two-yard line on Whitley County’s ensuing possession.
Lukas Mullins then broke off a 51-yard touchdown run to give the Eagles a 14-0 advantage with 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Moore continued his dominance on the field by picking off a pass and returning it for a score with 8:27 left in the second quarter as Madison Southern’s lead grew to 21-0.
Alex Craven hit Moore with a 60-yard touchdown strike with 2:47 remaining in the first half as the Eagles’ lead grew to 29-0.
Whitley County finally got on track offensively during the end of the third quarter as Dee Parker’s four-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds remaining made the score, 29-6.
The Colonels continued to fight and remain in the game in the fourth quarter as Tye Hamblin scored on a four-yard keeper and Parker added the two-point conversion, cutting Madison Southern’s lead to 29-14 with 6:31 left in regulation.
Whitley County continued to rally, and recovered an onside kick that led to Hamlin’s 19-yard touchdown run with 6:03 left. The Colonels failed to convert the extra point attempt, and trailed 29-20.
Madison Southern put an end of Whitley County’s comeback attempt as Moore’s keeper went for a 14-yard touchdown run to give the Eagles breathing room at 36-20 with 4:22 left to play.
Moore added a 68-yard keeper minutes later to put the finishing touches on the Eagles’ win.
