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Eagles escape Marshall Co. with win

Sunday, September 27, 2009
By Gary Johnson

Shelbyville senior running back Julius Smythe picks up some tough yards.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson)
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LEWISBURG -- No one expected it to be easy.

Shelbyville Central hit the road for the third week in a row in a non-district clash with winless Marshall County and escaped with a 13-8 victory Friday night to spoil the Tigers' homecoming.

It guarantees the Eagles (4-2) the most wins since 2003.

This game was about as even as they come.

Shelbyville had 288 yards of total offense and Marshall County 222. Both teams had four turnovers and each punted the ball five times.

The Tigers collected 15 first downs while the Eagles moved the chains 14 times. Time of possession was practically even, 24:39 for Marshall County and 23:21 for Shelbyville.

Penalties were the biggest difference.

Shelbyville was flagged 13 times for 71 yards Friday. Marshall County had two penalties totaling 10 yards.

Eagle defensive lineman Darian Lanier (61) sacks Marshall County quarterback Trevor Carter for a 7-yard loss as teammate Tristan McMahon provides a little help on the other side.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]
"This is a tough place to play and Marshall County really has a great tradition," Shelbyville coach Jason Hardy said. "We all expected this to be a hard fought game and it was.

"They are much better than their record and I give them a lot of credit. They played harder and better in this game than I saw on film.

"I'm still disappointed in a lot of things but I'll take the win. We still had way too many penalties and missed assignments. We played with a lot of heart and made some plays to stay in it but we've got to get a lot better."

The score at halftime resembled baseball as the Tigers posted a 2-0 lead.

Marshall County drives stalled at the Shelbyville 26, 13 and 1-yard lines in the first half while the Eagle defense bent but never broke.

After holding the Tigers on a goal line stand, Shelbyville took over on downs inside their own 1.

The Eagles were stopped for no gain, then gained 8 yards on a carry by Will Trice before quarterback Tre Stewart was tackled in the end zone on third down for a 9-yard loss and a safety.

Shelbyville's Tyler Weaver recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff at the MC 29.

The Eagles drove to the Tiger 1 before talented freshman running back Marquis Morton fumbled in the end zone on what looked to be a touchdown before the fumble.

Shelbyville junior quarterback Tre Stewart breaks loose for a 61-yard touchdown run.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson)
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Shelbyville finally got on the board late in the third quarter when Stewart broke loose on a 61-yard run. Angel Jarquin connected on the point after for the 7-2 lead.

Marshall County responded with a 10-play drive capped off by a 1-yard run by Austin Rayes. The two-point conversion attempt failed leaving the score 8-7.

Shelbyville followed with a five-play drive and took the lead for good when Stewart scored on an 18-yard run with 8:58 left to play. The Eagles failed on the two-point conversion attempt.

Shelbyville's defense held strong from that point and secured the win when senior linebacker Hunter Brothers intercepted a pass to stop a Marshall County drive in the final minute.

Eagle linebacker Phillip Jones makes a big lick on Marshall County running back David Tadajewski.
(T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]
"Coach Hardy just told me to shade a little and he put me right on the ball," Brothers said. "I just watched (the quarterback's) eyes and went right to the ball."

The Eagle defense allowed 76 yards rushing.

"We preach that defense wins ball games and our defense really stepped up tonight," Hardy said. "Other than a couple of missed assignments, it was really good football on the defensive side."

Stewart led Shelbyville's offense with 121 yards on 14 carries.

"Tre Stewart injured his hand last week and it's still not 100 percent but he really did a good job running the football when he was in," Hardy said. "He couldn't throw the ball real well because of that so we wanted to get Luke Faulk involved as well. Luke also had a couple of nice runs towards the end of the first half."

Shelbyville hosts District 8-AAA foe Lawrence County Friday night for homecoming.

Comments

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I watched as our head coach screamed at players for not doing what he thought they should , the same ones that are exhausted playing both sides of the ball kick offs etc. Wake up and give them a break they need it!!! also why does he scream at kids on sideline how could they do wrong he never plays them !

-- Posted by eagleffootball on Sun, Sep 27, 2009, at 1:08 PM

They've made a bunch of mistakes this season. I'm sure that's why the coaches are so frustrated at them. Hey, 4-2 is the main thing. It's all about getting W's even when things don't go smoothly. Find a way to win and that's a big positive about this team.

-- Posted by DoubleJ on Sun, Sep 27, 2009, at 5:31 PM

-- Posted by eagleffootball on Sun, Sep 27, 2009, at 1:08 PM

eagleffootball

Let me say one word T.E.A.M. win or loose!!!!!

-- Posted by eagleeyes on Sun, Sep 27, 2009, at 8:04 PM

eagleffootball would you please get a clue, find one somewhere please before you spout off at the mouth.

-- Posted by bamaman55 on Sun, Sep 27, 2009, at 9:46 PM

Eaglefootball,

I agree somewhat with what you said. I too was at the game and I saw other talent presented on the field and neither of the kid's names were mentioned in the article. I witnessed Greer go from one side of the field all the way to the other side to tackle a player preventing him from scoring a touchdown which would have cost us the game. Holman recovered a fumble. McMahon also recovered a fumble. Why wasn't these guys mentioned? Why wasn't their quotes mentioned?There's a lot of amazing talent on this team. It may not have shown up in every game, but it surely showed up during this game. Some of the reason it may not have shown up is because they haven't felt appreciated. It helps for these guys to read more about their accomplishments than their opponents. Keep your heads up guys, your effort was noticed AND appreciated!! I love the way you guys entered the field - AS A TEAM!!!

-- Posted by Preachers Wife on Mon, Sep 28, 2009, at 6:02 PM

Maybe I am crazy, but aren't coaches supposed to yell? We want to win, but we want to do it quietly. OK!

-- Posted by dooshie69 on Tue, Sep 29, 2009, at 10:35 AM

Havent you heard. You cant yell anymore. It may hurt the poor kids self confidence and self worth. Just like the one complaining because someones name didnt get put in the paper. Guess the coach should tell them they are all great and pat them on the back no matter what and then put everyone of their names in the papers. You could tell each one that played they did a good job but make sure you dont admit they did anything wrong. Then you just need to tell all the bench warmers they did a good job to. Make sure you let them know they cheered good.

As for them not playing hard because their names dont get mentioned, if thats the case they are playing for the wrong reason. Its a team sport. Heck if the QB and running back get their names in the paper for having a good game and the linemen dont get their names mentioned should they stop blocking. No. Thats their jobs. If they all do their jobs and do them right, the team will get its name in the paper under the left hand column that stands for a "W"

-- Posted by CA on Tue, Sep 29, 2009, at 11:44 AM

Coach's...you're doing a fine job with our guys this year and I thank you. As far as yelling at our guys, my son included...do whatever you have to do to get through to those thick headed guys!!

My son has had his share of "yellings", but I can assure you, he has nothing but respect for each and everyone of his coach's.

Good luck this week against Lawrence Co.

-- Posted by eaglemomx2 on Tue, Sep 29, 2009, at 12:48 PM

EaglemomX2

this county would be a little better if more of the parents believed like you and supported the coaching staff

-- Posted by CA on Tue, Sep 29, 2009, at 5:56 PM

I want to commend Coach Hardy on the job he has done so far this year. People may not realize how much time he puts in year round and how much he cares for his players. Preachers wife, you memtion the names Holman and McMahon and thier lack of recognition. Yes, both of these players had potential that was wasted. These guys probably would not be allowed on most teams with thier work ethic and both have been given too many chances. This only goes to show how much Coach cares for his players. Most don't know the problems and frustrations Coach has to endure and to say that his yelling at players is harsh evidently don't know what it takes to be a coach.

-- Posted by hereyougo on Wed, Sep 30, 2009, at 8:30 PM