Defense rules in 3-0 Wildcat loss
By Randy Glass Sports Writer

DENNIS HORNE/Sentinel photo Levi Hicks (#44) goes after a deep pass.

The Andrews Wildcats were looking for a conference victory Friday against the winless Rosman Tigers.

The Lady Cats had dispatched the Lady Tigers in volleyball the previous day in four games. Despite a great game defensively, the Cats came out on the short end of the defensive struggle 3-0. A third quarter 20-yard field goal was the difference.

Despite the loss, Assistant Coach Keith Payne was proud of the players, saying the loss was hard but they made improvements from a 42-7 loss. He told the players they played their tails off and should be proud of their effort.

Rance Rogers played his usual tough defensive game as well as Robert Howie Hill. Jordan Hensley came up with a big effort on the defensive side. Brody White had a good game punting with a 40-yard average.

On the offensive side, Steven Crisp started his first game back and had over 40 yards. Senior quarterback Tyler Edwards had a good game rushing with over 60 yards.

But the Cats were plagued by the turnover bug as they had three interceptions and two fumbles.

DENNIS HORNE/Sentinel photo Above, Justin Bonilla (#62) makes a tackle in the backfield. Left, quarterback Tyler Edwards runs the ball up the middle. The Wildcats were in a defensive struggle Friday night against winless Rosman. The Tigers got a short field goal late in the third quarter and that was all the scoring they needed as Andrews fell 3-0 to Rosman. Despite the loss, Assistant Coach Keith Payne was proud of the players, saying they played their tails off and should be proud of their effort. The Andrews Wildcats take on the Murphy Bulldogs Friday night at Andrews. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Cats started the game off by promptly getting a first down but the ball was stripped away on the next series.

On their next possession, the Cats got another first down with Edwards bulldozing his way for seven yards. A 20-yard catch by senior Levi Hicks got the Cats clawing but an interception gave the ball back to Rosman at the 32.

Later, the Tigers started to mount a drive and got inside the Cats' 20, but a fumble recovered by the Cat defense gave them the ball on the 16-yardline. Edwards got 12 yards on a scramble but again Andrews had to punt.

Another defensive stop by Andrews gave them the ball at their own 31. Matt Esposito ran for 13 yards followed by a nineyard catch by Devon Miller. But after a 20-yard Edwards run, the Tigers picked off a pass and the halftime score was 0-0.

The Tigers came out in the second half and got three first downs but the Coach Payne led defense again held the Tigers for no score.

The Tigers got the ball right back at the Cats' 21-yard-line. After gaining only 11 yards, the Tigers were forced to go for a 20-yard field goal, which was successful as they went up 3-0 with 2:41 to go in the third quarter.

The Tigers drove the ball to the Wildcat one-yard-line. The Rosman quarterback attempted to leap over the goal line but the Cats caused a fumble and recovered the ball at the one-yardline. The Cats had to punt but stopped the Tigers.

The Cats had one last chance. A first down got the Cat faithful thinking victory. But on fourth down,, a dropped pass ended the final attempt by the Cats. The Wildcat record is now 2-5 (0-2 in conference).

The Cats host the Murphy Bulldogs Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Team stats
First downs: Andrews 11,
Rosman 13
Total rushing: Andrews
33-146, Rosman 44-161
Passing: Andrews 4-17-3
for 41 yards, Rosman 1-6-1 for
20 yards
Andrews individual stats
Rushing: Crisp 12-44,
Edwards 13-61, Esposito 5-29,
Raxter 1-5, Williams 2-7.