Patriot Defense Held AC-S Contend for Win
Patriot senior Brayden Holland cuts around the left corner for a gain last Friday against Calloway County. Holland would score the Patriots’ only rushing TD in the game. (Photo by Don Meador).
By Don Meador,
Sports Writer
A gallant effort came up short as time faded into a warm October night. Rather than holding helmets high on Homecoming 2025, the Allen County-Scottsville Patriots dropped a ninth consecutive game. Calloway County edged AC-S 21-18 last week to clinch a spot in the Class 4A state playoffs.
The Patriot defense gave AC-S a shot at the victory. Overall, Patriot defenders held the high-scoring Calloway County offense to 189 yards of offense in the first half–144 yards passing and 45 yards rushing.
A Patriot player clutches the American flag during a pre-game prayer near midfield. AC-S put forth a gallant fight before falling to Calloway County, 21-18, last Friday.
The night started on a bright and positive note. With 5:45 left in the first half, senior Brayden Holland scored on a six yard run. Holland’s score capped a drive which began after an interception by junior teammate Wyatt Todd. The PAT failed. Calloway County answered with a score at the 2:38 point of the quarter. The Lakers’ score on a 16-yard pass play was followed by the go-ahead PAT.
The back-breaker play of the first half came early in the second quarter. The Lakers added their second score on an 85-yard pitch and catch. After the point after, Calloway County owned a 14-6 lead. The score remained 14-6 until the Lakers scored on a 81-yard run at the 6:35 mark of the third–a TD and PAT that lifted the visitors’ lead to 21-6.
Senior Ryan Hensley (14) goes down to the ground after a long reception in the fourth quarter. Hensley’s catch between two Calloway County defenders helped AC-S to a fourth quarter score that brought the Patriots within three, 21-18.
However, AC-S would not go down without a fight. As the clock ticked down in the fourth, Todd scooped up a Lakers fumble and raced approximately 50 yards for a TD. The try for two failed leaving AC-S down by nine. The Patriots recovered an onside kick to get the ball back. Sophomore quarterback Cannon Hood led the march down field. The drive was capped with 4:38 left in the game as platooned quarterback Josh Williams took a hand off on a flea flicker and found an open Tyler Turner in the end zone for the 19 yard score.
AC-S’s defensive backfield specialist Eli McCoy waits for the action to develop against Calloway County. McCoy is a senior for the Patriots.
The Patriots attempted a second onside kick but could not make the recovery. The Lakers picked up a couple of first downs to ice the game.
AC-S (0-8, 0-4) travel to Franklin-Simpson Friday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Wildcats (5-3, 2-2) are coming off a 63-27 loss to Logan County. Despite the district loss last week, Franklin-Simpson will join Paducah Tilghman, Logan County and Calloway County in the playoffs in November. The Patriots will miss postseason play for the first time since 2007.
Sophomore Wyatt Todd races toward the end zone for a scoop and scores a defensive touchdown against Calloway County. Todd’s fourth quarter score ignited an AC-S comeback in the fourth quarter.
