Fredericktown runs over Pirates

~ Blackcats running back Ryan Sawyer scored three touchdowns.

PERRYVILLE -- Perryville running back Kris Cottner knew entering his team's homecoming game against Fredericktown that the Pirates were going to have to play their best to pull out a win after watching the Blackcats beat East Prairie by 49 points last week.

"I had a chance to watch them in person [last Saturday] and I knew it was going to be a real tough battle for us offensively and defensively," Cottner said. "[Running back Ryan Sawyer] had a big game. He's a great ballplayer and they find ways to score and move the ball."

Fredericktown, which outscored its first five opponents 190-19, again proved to be too difficult a matchup Saturday. The Blackcats, led by Sawyer, posted a 35-0 victory over the Pirates. The win improved Fredericktown's record to 6-0. The Pirates, after starting the season by winning its first three, fell to 3-3.

"We're known to spoil their homecomings," Sawyer said. "It felt real good. I just kept my focus and followed my blockers. I credit the line."

Fredericktown defender Ethan Tidwell grabbed the face mask of Perryville quarterback Josh Perreault during Fredericktown's 35-0 win Saturday, October 6, 2007, in Perryville. (Kit Doyle)

Sawyer, a senior, had 115 yards rushing in addition to an 84-yard touchdown reception.

Sawyer rushed for more than 1,000 yards during his freshman season. But he has spent the past two years battling injuries. He had a knee problem his sophomore year and broke his ankle as a junior, limiting him to approximately seven games over that time.

"He makes things happen, but he wouldn't make things happen if it wasn't for the five, six guys in front of him who are blocking and giving the creases and things," Fredericktown coach Shannon Henson said. "He's not too big, but he runs with a lot of power."

Perryville started with the football to open the first half, but Cottner fumbled on his team's second play.

"I just didn't tuck the ball up high," Cottner said. "I was just carrying it along my side and that exposed the backside of the ball and someone hit it from behind. It was all on me there. ... I guess it kind of took a little bit of momentum away."

Fredericktown quarterback Nathan Wilkerson, left, searched for an escape before Perryville's Jeremy Bader sacked him Saturday, October 6, 2007, in Perryville. (Kit Doyle)

Sawyer's first touchdown came just 1 minute, 22 seconds into the game. He dashed for a 7-yard score to make it 6-0. The extra point was no good.

Sawyer scored again with 57 seconds remaining in the first quarter on a 20-yard run. Fredericktown completed a successful 2-point conversion on a run by quarterback Nathan Wilkerson for a 14-0 lead.

Fredericktown added another touchdown with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter when Sawyer made the 84-yard touchdown reception. The halftime score: 21-0.

"Sometimes we lose a little bit of the outside contain[ment]," Perryville linebacker Waylon Sparkman said. "That's just about it."

Fredericktown added two more touchdowns in the second half. One was in the third quarter on an 8-yard run by David Penwell and another in the fourth quarter on a 41-yard run by Sawyer.

Five Perryville defenders converged to bring down Fredericktown running back Ryan Sawyer during Saturday's game in Perryville. Sawyer had four touchdowns in Fredericktown's 35-0 win. (Kit Doyle)

Cottner finished with 17 carries for 105 yards. Quarterback Josh Perreault carried 11 times for 23 yards. He also completed 8 of his 18 pass attempts for 48 yards.

"Of course we knew it was going to be a tough ballgame," Perryville coach Rick Chastain said. "We don't think they're as good as the 35-0 whitewash. We don't think they're that much better than us. But nevertheless, when it comes down to it, they performed and we didn't.

"I think the turning point was before the game even started. We just weren't ready to play. We weren't able to establish the right mind frame to get the thing done."