High school football: Tigers control trenches when it matters

Caurthersville made it a sweep over Dunklin County teams this past Friday, defeating Kennett 40-32 at Metz Cherry Stadium.

“They just executed a lot better, Kennett head coach Andrew Webster said. “They had better blocking up front.”

Caruthersville amassed more than 300 yards on the ground thanks to the triumvirate of talented Jermonte Alexander, Abeyon Motton and Sammy Bryant.

The Kennett High School football team talks it over during a timeout in the first half of a Friday, Sept. 15, game versus Caruthersville at Metz Cherry Stadium. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

While Alexander was the Tigers’ featured performer during the first half, all

three of them made magic in the second half — as Caruthersville took a four-point deficit and flipped it into an advantage.

If not for a special teams success in the second half, the final margin could have been wider.

Still, Kennett’s players showed resolve to the bitter end, coming up short by inches on a possible game-tying drive in the fourth quarter.

“We had a lot of guys playing both ways,” Webster said, “and we still have to work on some stuff.”

Webster requested a measurement after a Marquiese Pittman run on fourth down; however, it wasn’t granted by the officating crew. No reason was given.

Webster focused the attention on the Indian offensive line, which is aged but still not seasoned enough.

Many of the offensive linemen simply haven’t spent enough time playing those positions due to injuries and one who returned to play this season.

Webster applauded their efforts, but there are still “growing pains.”

While Kennett (3-1) controlled the line of scrimmage better in the first half, which produced that 18-14 intermission lead, Caruthersville eventually wore down the Indians on both sides to prevail.

Playing Park Hills Central earlier this season, Caruthersville’s defense corrected one glaring mistake while defending screen pass plays, Webster noted.

The Tigers read their keys on such designs versus Kennett, limiting the Indians’ gains.

Pittman continued to put up impressive numbers (26 carries, 141 yards, three TD, 92 receiving yards). Tyquavious Jones showed improvement (9-of-18 passing, 168 yards, one TD, one INT). Caleb Duncan caught four passes for 88 yards and a score.

However, the defense was gashed for more than 400 yards versus Caruthersville.

Caurthersville earned its first victory over Kennett since Sept. 9, 2016, and the Tigers have an 7-6 edge in the series since 2010.