Rams taste first victory

Scott City defeated visiting Brentwood 26-20.

Southeast Missourian

Scott City football coach Terry Flannigan told his young players before Friday's home game against Brentwood it was time to step up and start playing like veterans.

The Rams listened, with sophomore Cody Carlyle scoring the game-winning touchdown with 1 minute,18 seconds remaining to give Scott City its first win of the season, 26-20. Scott City improved to 1-3.

"We told them before the game, 'Now you're all considered veterans,'" Flannigan said.

Friday was a showcase for Scott City sophomores, with Ethan Watkins making his first start at quarterback. Watkins only completed six of 12 passes overall, but he completed four of his last five passes, including a 38-yard strike to sophomore Derek Goodin to set up the game-winning score.

"I was really nervous at the beginning of the game, but as soon as the first snap started, I was all right," Watkins said. "We watched film all week, and I felt coming in we could win this game."

The Rams started the game with a near-perfect scoring drive off the opening kickoff. Scott City went 65 yards on 13 plays, eating up more than six minutes off the clock. All of the damage was done on the ground, with Carlyle and senior Jonathan Barr carrying the load. Watkins finished the drive with a 1-yard run. Scott City failed on a two-point conversion for a 6-0 lead.

"We knew we wanted to come out and establish something; we felt like we could do that," Flannigan said. "We knew we could pound the ball a little bit, and knew we wanted to start mixing up the pass a little."

Scott City could not sustain its offensive rhythm in the first half, and by halftime the score was knotted at 6-6.

In the second half, Brentwood took the early 13-6 lead with a 47-yard touchdown run from Brandon Ellis, who led all rushers with 165 yards on 19 carries.

Barr came right back for the Rams, scoring on a 25-yard run just minutes later. Jamie Pinkston ran in a two-point conversion for a 14-13 lead. Barr finished with a team-high 100 yards rushing on 19 carries.

"I think our line is starting to figure out what they need to do to open the holes," Barr said. "They're starting to get some experience under them."

Ellis continued to be a thorn in Scott City's side, scoring on a 55-yard touchdown run on the next play from scrimmage. The extra point was good for a 20-14 Brentwood lead.

Scott City's defense set up the next score, stopping Brentwood on a fourth and three at the Scott City 40 in the fourth quarter. Watkins provided the big play on the scoring drive, connecting with Carlyle for a 48-yard pass that put Scott City deep into Brentwood territory.

Watkins finished off the drive with another 1-yard run.

After another defensive stop, Watkins' first pass led to the win. Watkins threw for 128 yards with one interception.

"I'm just glad Coach put the ball in my hands," Watkins said. "I couldn't have completed any passes if it weren't for the offensive line."

Flannigan said he was happy with Watkins' performance and looks forward to both Watkins and former starter Pinkston battling in practice.

"We got us a good quarterback battle going now," he said.

Carlyle finished with more than 130 yards of combined offense for the Rams.