The Rocket defense swarms in on McLean's quarterback.

Rockets steamroll McLean
Defense dominates game, forces 7 turnovers

Marion, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2003) - Crittenden County's defense red flagged the typically hard-running McLean County option attack and the Rockets steamrolled over the Cougars 35-0 in a Class A Second District matchup.

The win was critical to Crittenden's post-season hopes after a disappointing district-opening loss a week earlier at Metcalfe County. The two-time defending league champion Rockets showed no mercy for McLean's hobbled offense. Crittenden blistered the Cougars for no first downs and no net yards on the ground during the entire first half, and the Rockets scored off three of McLean's five turnovers in the first two periods. McLean managed just 68 yards total offense for the game.

"We had a very solid defensive scheme prepared for the option and our kids executed it perfectly," coach Al Starnes said. "Defensive coordinator Steve Carter had a great game plan, but the credit goes to the kids. They got after McLean County and held a pretty good offensive football team in check for the whole game."

McLean finished with seven turnovers and the Rockets made them pay with touchdowns following five of them. Even lineman Jordan Roberts got in on the action, snatching a fumbled screen pass in the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown. McLean turned the ball over on half of its one dozen possessions during the game.

While Crittenden's defense was brutal -- sending three Cougars to the sideline with injuries -- its offense was good enough to rack up 302 yards, sharing the burden equally with a solid ground game for 176 yards and 126 through the air. The Cougars top running back Blain Bailey left the game with a concussion late in the first period and never returned. He was later taken to the local hospital. Halfback Brian Miller was carried off the field in the second half with an ankle injury.

Without Bailey, the McLean option attack was virtually helpless as quarterback Zach Tanner was left to carry the load. Twice during the game, he limped to the sideline and missed several downs.

Bailey threw three interceptions and he fumbled twice. In the Rocket secondary, T.K. Guess, Sean Thompson and Blake Gardner each had interceptions. Guess returned his pickoff 49 yards to a touchdown. Justin Baker and Matt Collins were among those recovering fumbles.

Crittenden's passing game was 7-for-18, but QB Thompson made some completions on key plays, including strikes of 23 and 26 yards to Dustin Harris and a 33-yard, second-half gainer to Cody Robinson. Brad Hart also caught a crucial pass on fourth down in the first half to maintain a scoring drive.

On the ground, the Rockets spread the wealth with Gardner leading the way with 45 yards on a dozen carries. T.K. Guess had 37 yards on the ground and Demetric Moss had 36, including a powerful, tackle-breaking run for a six-yard touchdown to start the game's scoring. Guess, Thompson and Gardner each rushed for TDs.

With three more Second District games down the stretch, the victory keeps alive Crittenden's hopes of hosting a first-round playoff game. Four of the district's six teams will advance to post-season, so two wins in the Rockets' final three games would basically ensure homefield advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

The Rockets will host winless Caverna next week then turn their attention to a long road trip to Hancock County against one of the top contenders for a district crown. Crittenden will finish the season in three weeks at Russellville.


Crittenden defensive back Matt Collins gathers a lot
of attention after picking off a pass. Above (inset photo)
T.K. Guess heads for the end zone for a touchdown
after intercepting a pass.

SCORING PLAYS
C-Demetric Moss 6 run (George Congenie kick) 6:36, 1st
C-T.K. Guess 49 interception return (Congenie kick) 11:37, 2nd
C-Sean Thompson 11 run (Congenie kick) 7:54, 2nd
C-Blake Gardner 4 run (Congenie kick) 5:19, 3rd
C-Jordan Roberts fumble recovery (Congenie kick) 10:08, 4th