Cats fall in first conference game
By Randy Glass Sports Writer

DENNIS HORNE/Sentinel photo Quarterback Tyler Edwards hands the ball off to Dereck Raxter, who runs up the middle. Blocking are xxxx xxxxx (# 74) and xxxxss xxxxxx (#34).

Andrews came out on the short end of its first conference game of the season Friday as the Wildcats lost to Robbinsville 49-10.

Despite the score, the Cats had several promising notes. Ryan Christy and Waylon Curtis played well on defense. Other players performing well were Rance Rogers, Robert "Howie" Hill and Brody White.

On offense, fullback Dereck Raxter played well for the second game. Receivers Chris Ackerman and Levi Hicks also had good games. "Accurate" Ackerman also had a field goal and extra point. It was his third field goal and 18th extra point without a miss.

The Cats got the ball first and senior Tyler Edwards completed a pass to Levi Hicks for 10 yards and a first down. The Knights' defense held and the Cats had to punt. The Knights scored on the first play but it was called back. However, the Knights then drove for a touchdown to go up 7-0.

Left, an Andrews defensive back pulls a Knight down. Right, Dustin Chance is on the ground after catching a shovel pass. Several Wildcat players had good games in spite of the defeat. Dereck Raxter, Levi Hicks and Chris Ackerman had good offensive games.

On offense, Hicks caught a nine-yard pass followed by a 15-yard run by Edwards. The Knights then held Andrews but the Cats got new life on a running into the kicker penalty.

After a 20-yard run by Raxter, the Cats were on the 11-yard-line. "Accurate" nailed a 28-yard field goal with 2:26 left in the first quarter for a 7-3 score.

The Cats held the Knights and got the ball on their 24. Raxter got another tough 15-yard run followed by a 12-yard run from Matt Esposito. However, Andrews couldn't move the ball any further and Robbinsville scored on a 37-yard run to go up 14-3. The half ended with Robbinsville leading 28-3.

The Knights scored quickly in the third quarter on a 48-yard run to go up 35-3. After the Knights went up 42-3, the Cats took over on the 43-yard-line. Raxter scooted for six yards and Ackerman caught a five-yard pass to put the ball at the 44.

On the next play, Edwards launched a pass to Ackerman, who caught the ball inside the five and muscled in to make the score 42-10 as Ackerman converted his 18th straight extra point.

After Robbinsville scored again to go up 49-10, Andrews got the ball at their 32-yard line and started another drive with a 14-yard reception by Hicks and a seven-yard run by Raxter. Ackerman made a seven-yard catch. Edwards got dinged up and Stephen Crisp came in but his first pass was tipped and intercepted.

Andrews got one more chance and Hicks made a 20-yard catch but the Knights defense held.

The Cats got Crisp back from a leg injury. The Cats will be at home Friday against Rosman. Friday night is also homecoming for the Cats. The Tigers come in with a record of 0-6 but they have been playing better as of late. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

Wildcat team stats First downs: 12 Rushing: 34-128 Passing: 9-24-1 for 113 yards

Wildcat individual stats

Rushing: Raxter 13-70, Edwards 16-44, Esposito 4-3, Crisp 1-1.

Receiving: Ackerman 7-95 for one TD, Hicks 2- 18.