September 14, 2007

at Fulton City Stadium

Rockets mighty close at Fulton
FULTON – Crittenden County couldn't stop Fulton's Daeron Williams and missed its best chance at a victory so far this season.

The Rockets outplayed Fulton (4-0) in virtually every category from A to Z, but when it came time to tackle the Bulldogs' feisty running back, Crittenden didn't have an answer. Williams rushed for 223 yards, three touchdowns and set up the game-winner late in the fourth. Fulton, which trailed most of the contest, went ahead with 17 seconds left and won the First District Class A matchup 26-22 in a heartbreaker for the 0-4 Rockets.

Crittenden led by two at halftime, but Fulton came back with a 58-yard touchdown by Williams midway through the third quarter. He had scored on a 38-yarder in the second period, breaking tackles and making defenders miss. His elusive running played a major role in the final outcome.

The inspired Rockets regained the lead early in the fourth period on J.D. Gray's 1-yard run. The TD was set up by a pass from Gray to Gaige Courtney.

Leading 22-20, Crittenden's defense made its most impressive stand of the season, forcing Fulton to punt the ball with 8:30 to play. The Rockets responded by moving 65 yards up field with some big runs by Rodney Robertson and Jeramie Sorina. However, the drive stalled at the Bulldog 14 and the hosts took over on downs.

From there, Williams took control of the game. Normally a tailback, he lined up at quarterback, took the snaps and found holes in the Rocket defense, running for 16 yards, then 50, and 9 to take his team to the 2-yard line with seconds left. Teammate and regular QB Aaron Wilson finished it by taking the ball across the goal line and crushing Crittenden's hopes of the upset against the No. 12 team in Class A.

A final attempt by the Rocket offense ended on a hail marry pass into the end zone, but it was picked off by the Bulldogs.

Crittenden, which has relied heavily on the pass during its first three games, focused primarily on the run. Robertson finished with 177 yards rushing and Sorina 98. The Rockets outgained Fulton in total offense 379-267 and had 17 first downs compared to the Bulldogs' 6.

The Rockets return home next week to host Mayfield, the second-ranked team in Class A, for a district matchup.


SCORE BY QUARTERS
Crittenden Co. ..6....8.....0....8
Fulton City........6....6.....8....6


SCORING PLAYS
F-Daeron Williams 12 run (run failed) 7:18, 1st
C-Rodney Robertson 3 run (kick failed) 3:03, 1st
C-Jeramie Sorina 40 run (J.D. Gray run) 7:02, 2nd
F-Williams 38 run (run failed) 2:44, 2nd
F-Willliams 58 run (Williams run) 5:04, 3rd
C-Gray 1 run (Gaige Courtney pass from Gray) 11:32, 4th
F-Aaron Wilson 2 run (pass failed) :17, 4th

TEAM TOTALS
First Downs: Crittenden 17, Fulton 6
Penalties: Crittenden 4-45, Fulton 7-53
Rushing: Crittenden 52-305, Fulton 29-267
Passing: Crittenden 4-6-1, 74 yds., Fulton 0-2-2
Total Yards: Crittenden 379, Fulton 267
Fumbles/Lost Crittenden 1-0, Fulton 2-1

INDIVIDUAL STATS
Rushing
Crittenden-Rodney Robertson 27-177, Jeramie Sorina 19-98, JD Gray 6-30. Fulton-Williams 20-223, Wilson 7-39, Kentrell Rouse 2-5.

Passing
Crittenden-Sorina 2-2-0, 44 yds., Gray 2-4-1, 30 yds. Fulton-Blake Lawson 0-2-0.

Receiving
Crittenden-Robertson 1-28, Sorina 1-20, Gray 1-14, Courtney 1-10.

Defense Check Back Later
Records
Crittenden 0-4, Fulton 4-0