Nov. 16, 2009

Warriors too much for Fayette County Tigers

By Kurt Duryea

CENTRE — In 15 years as a head coach, Thomas “Tripp” Curry's teams have compiled an overall record of 124-47. He has piloted Cherokee County, since 2001, and Springville from 1996-2000, to a total of 20 playoff wins.

In 2009, his Warriors are averaging 44 points per game, and the defense only gives up around 12 points.

Last week, the number one-ranked Warriors dispatched the Haleyville Lions 51-13. On Friday the 13th, there were few unlucky moments for Cherokee County, as they knocked the Fayette County Tigers out of the playoffs for the second year in a row by a score of 49-14.

The Warriors success is built on preparation, execution and determination. It also comes with the realization that a spectacular season is nearing completion.

“It's almost a bittersweet feeling,” Curry said after the game. “It's a sad feeling that this season is getting close to an end. It's fun being around these guys.”

After the short reminiscence, Curry quickly turned to the task at hand.

“The thing about the state playoffs is that if you don't win it all, then the last game is still a loss,” he said. “We've got one thing to do, and that's to go 15-0.”

The Warriors, who ran their record to 12-0, got one step closer Friday night.

After returning the opening kickoff to the 40-yard line, Coty Blanchard took only five plays to connect with Gabriel Chambers for 47 yards, moving Cherokee County inside the 1. After backing up to the 7, Blanchard spotted Desmond Brown wide open for the touchdown. Isaac Jones tacked on his first of seven extra points with over 10 minutes remaining in the first.

Fayette County countered the Warrior drive with a five-play, 73-yard push that was aided by a 15-yard facemask penalty. Tucker Trice caught a 20-yard pass from Evan Sims for the score. The extra point went wide, and the Tigers trailed 7-6.

A Warrior fumble on the next possession gave the Tigers an opportunity to grab an early lead. But the Warrior defense had other things in mind. Sims's pass went directly to the Warriors' Hudson Grimes, who took the errant throw 35 yards to the end zone. The PAT put the Warriors up 14-6.

The defense continued to build momentum for the Warriors.

“One of the biggest things we did was to get pressure on their quarterback when they threw,” Curry said. “We were not going to let him kill us. When they threw underneath we covered it, and when they went long we were able to defend it and make some plays.”

The Tigers, facing a fourth-and-one on their own 37, elected to go for the first down. Caleb Hays took the heart out of the Tigers as he stopped Sims well short of the yard-to-gain.

Blanchard completed four passes, including a key pass to Chambers on fourth-and-three, before D.J. Fife followed the blocking of Crane into the end zone from eight yards out. With 26 seconds remaining in the first the Warriors went up, 21-6.

Fayette County then received another helping of the Warrior “D,” which forced a three-and-out. A short punt rolled dead at the Tiger 44. Three plays later, Blanchard lofted a 42-yard pass over the outstretched arms of a Tiger defender, into the waiting arms of Chambers. The extra point came at 9:15 of the second, and gave the Warriors a 28-6 advantage at the half.

Desmond Brown intercepted Sims on the next possession. On the next play, D.J. Fife's 43-yard run stretched the lead to 35-6.

Tim Walker caught a 36-yard pass from Sims in the third quarter for the only other Tiger score. But Brett Burgess did not give the Tigers a moment to celebrate as he gathered in the onsides kick and sprinted 44 yards to the end zone, giving the Warriors a 42-14 lead in the third. Curry recognized Burgess's efforts.

“Brett is so smart,” Curry said. “He knows what to do and puts himself in good position and tries as hard as he can.” Burgess also had a first-half interception.

Desmond Brown added a thrilling 46-yard run at the end of the third to make the final tally 49-14.

The wide margin gave Curry a chance to play send of his younger players onto the field in the game's final minutes.

“We had an opportunity to rest some players and get some younger guys playing time,” Curry said. “They work just as hard as the starters and it's important as well.”

The Warriors travel to Stevenson Friday night to battle the North Jackson Chiefs (9-3).