Wildcats fall to Bulldogs 50-34
By Randy Glass Sports Writer

DENNIS HORNE /Sentinel photo Left, Wildcat Derek Raxter (#27) is tackled while Stephen Crisp (#21) and Nick Queen (#76) block. Above, the Cat defense does its job as Levi Hicks (#4) closes in.

The Wildcats had a tough first quarter but after that played tough ball against crosstown rival Murphy.

After falling behind 27-0, the Cats ended up losing 50-34. Murphy had 419 total yards to 411 for Andrews. Sophomore Derek Raxter had a great game, gaining over 130 yards on offense and playing inspired on defense.

Sophomore Nikko Williams also played well on the offensive side with over 100 yards rushing. Senior Levi Hicks had four superb catches, including a 13-yard TD catch.

On the defensive side, Rance Rogers played solid defense with two fumble recoveries. The Cats pulled together as a unit and played well after the first quarter.

Andrews won the toss and elected to receive. Patrick Brannon made a nice return to the 45 but the Cats could not advance. Dog quarterback Luke Charles hooked up with Georgie Kerber for a 50-yard TD pass.

The Cats got the ball at the 24 and started to drive on the Dogs with a 16-yard Hicks catch. Senior Tyler Edwards scampered for nine yards. Then, Edwards connected with junior receiver Chris Ackerman for a 12-yard pass. But the Dogs' defense tightened and Andrews could not convert. The Dogs scorecd again with another Charles pass. The Dogs led 27-0 after the end of the first quarter.

In the third quarter, trailing 34-0, the Cats began a drive from their own 35. Senior Matt Esposito got things smoking with a nineyard run. A six-yard catch by Hicks gave the Cats a first down.

Williams gained 17 on a powerful run. Williams scampered into the endzone for a TD from 13 yards out. The Dogs got a field goal to go up 37-6 at the half.

The Wildcat band wowed the audience with their jazz rendition. The band that could has only 14 members but you would think it was 114 as much sound as they put out.

The Dogs scored to start the second half and led 44-6. Andrews answered right back with Raxter gaining 11 yards on two carries before Williams outraced everyone for a 40-yard gain to close the gap to 44-13.

DENNIS HORNE /Sentinel photo Wildcats in action are Chris Ackerman (#3), Jordan Hensley (#44), Nick Queen (#76) and Dustin Chance (#70).

The Dogs appeared ready to score again but fumbled the ball only to have the Cats fumble the ball right back a few plays later. The Dogs scored for the last time to go up 50-13.

In the fourth quarter, the Cats scored on a four-yard run by Stephen Crisp to cut the lead to 50-20.

The Cats got the ball again after a Dog fumble. Hicks made an eightyard reception and Raxter gained 23 yards on the drive, including a seven-yard bulldozing run for a TD and a 50-27 score.

Another turnover by Murphy's second team gave the Cats the ball at the Dogs' 27 where Edwards floated a 15-yard score to Hicks, who made a beautiful catch for the final 50-34 score.

The Cats' never say die attitude was there for the entire game.

The coaches are proud of the fight the boys showed after the first quarter. The coaching staff has done a great job with the offense and defense as both have improved, especially Coach Keith Payne's defense and Coach Postell's kicking game.

DENNIS HORNE /Sentinel photo Tailback Matt Esposito (#5) makes good yardage.

The Cats play Swain Friday. Swain upset Cherokee 20-16. Swain is 1-7 and 1-2 in conference. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.

Stats

First Downs: Murphy 20, Andrews 25;

Rushing: Murphy 28-301; Andrews 65-322;

Passing: Murphy 7-8 for 118 yards; Andrews 7-14 for 89 yards;

Andrews Rushing:

Raxter 27-132 and a TD; Williams 8-102 and a TD; Edwards 24-64; Crisp 1-4 and a TD; Esposito 5-20;

Andrews Receiving:

Hicks 4-58 and a TD; Ackerman 3-31;