Turnovers lead to loss again for Eagles

Eagle sophomore Bobby Wilson picks up some return yardage Friday night against Warren County.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson)

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For the second straight game, Shelbyville Central committed six turnovers in a matchup it should have won. This time, the miscues led to a 14-0 loss to Warren County at Eagle Stadium.

The Eagles (0-2) had four interceptions and two fumbles Friday night. It was the exact opposite last week, with four fumbles and a pair of interceptions last week at Coffee County.

No matter how you count them, turning the football over is a huge problem -- and Shelbyville coach Jason Hardy says he's frustrated.

"We worked really hard this week on taking care of ourselves and not killing ourselves with turnovers," Hardy said. "We are just having way too many turnovers and that's been the difference between winning and losing our first two games. Instead of finding ways to win, we're finding ways to beat ourselves and that's got to stop.

"Defensively we play pretty good, our special team play was pretty good and offensively everything but turning the ball over and not putting the ball in the end zone was pretty good."

The Eagle defense kept the Pioneers' offense under control the entire game, just allowing a late touchdown.

Warren County struck first with a 75-yard pass interception return for a touchdown by Kaleb Northcutt on Shelbyville's first offensive possession. The point after attempt failed.

The Eagles were moving downfield and were inside Warren County's 30-yard line before the pickoff.

The score remained 6-0 until the Pioneers (1-1) scored on a 28-yard run by Northcutt with 3:18 left in the game. Quarterback Bradley Steg connected with a wide open Casey Dunn for the two-point conversion and 14-0 advantage.

Shelbyville had success moving the football the entire game, but just couldn't find the end zone.

The Eagles couldn't capitalize on a 12-play drive late in the first half when they reached the Warren County 2 before throwing an interception.

They also had a great chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter when they drove downfield after backup quarterback Tre Stewart entered the game and sparked the offense. That drive lasted over six minutes and got inside the Pioneer 5 before a questionable penalty was called.

Two plays later, Shelbyville fumbled and Warren County recovered at their own 8.

"We have let so many good scoring opportunities slip away because we're just not coming off the football and showing the will to win," Hardy said. "We're trying to mix up plays and it's really frustrating when you've got short yardage and you can't get it done."

Shelbyville defenders Hunter Brothers (left), Jonathan Certain (middle) and Drew Clanton (right) make a big stop on Warren County quarterback Bradley Steg.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson)

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"Our defense has really been a bright spot," Hardy said. "They are getting to the football, making plays and getting stops. They have given us a chance to win both games."

It's still a learning experience for Shelbyville's two young, athletic sophomore quarterbacks.

Isaiah Washington got the start for the second straight week with Stewart adding to the mix in both games.

"Tre did a great job coming in and sparking us in the fourth quarter," Hardy said. "That's why we've been running the two-quarterback system. Both have looked good at times and then both have shown their youth and inexperience."

Shelbyville threw more interceptions than they had completions, going 4-of-15 with five interceptions for only 56 yards in the air.

Once again, junior running back Julius Smythe turned in a nice performance, rushing for 71 yards on 22 carries. He's rushed for 212 yards on 33 carries in the first two games for an average of over six yards per carry.

Punters for both teams had a busy night, combining to punt the ball 10 times.

The Eagle defense forced the Pioneers to punt six times for a 32-yard average while Shelbyville junior punter Angel Jarquin had a nice game, punting four times for a 37-yard average.

Hardy reminded his team that after starting 0-2 last year, they bounced back, won three region games and made the playoffs.

"We've got to build on that fact; we don't have any other choice," Hardy said. "We can't worry about what has happened over the first two weeks. In my opinion, we've outplayed our opponent these first two games and walked away without a victory.

"This will be a tough week and I'm very interested in how the team is going to respond. Right now I know I'm down, the other coaches are down as well as the players but we've got to put this behind us and come in here and work hard to get that first region win Friday night."

Shelbyville travels to Lawrenceburg to face Region 5-4A foe Lawrence County Friday night at 7. The Eagles claimed a 35-28 victory over the Wildcats last year at home.