Pilots outscore Webster County

The scoreboard at Sanger Field in Hickman got a big workout last Friday night.

In four quarters of football, with Fulton County playing host to Webster County, the Pilots came out on top in the offensive showdown, 69-46.

The game featured a combined 15 offensive touchdowns, a punt return and two pass interceptions for scores.

Following the game, even coach James Bridges said he did not envision seeing this type of an output from his offensive .

“No I didn’t, but both the offense and defense stepped up. We did a heck of a job. We have a group of boys that have that no stop attitude. There are some big time players on this team, not just the running back, not just the receiver, not just the lineman. We have multiple guys that can play, and that is why we are seeing success like we did tonight.”

The Cougars held their only lead of the night, when they scored the first points of the game at 9:34 of the first quarter.

Shaun Gwynn rushed in from two-yards out, and with the extra point, took a 7-0 advantage.

The Pilots quickly tied the game, as tailback Caleb Kimble turned the Pilots first play into a 60-yard touchdown run.

Kimble’s run, and the extra point by Jordan Pirtle, made the score 7-7.

At the 4:21 mark, quarterback Jerome Warren then gave Fulton County a lead they would not relinquish, when he scored from eight-yards out.

Warren’s run, coupled with Pirtle’s kick, put the Pilots in front 14-7.

Fulton County went on to take a 27-13 halftime lead, thanks to second quarter touchdown runs from Kimble of 53 and 87-yards.

In the third quarter, the Pilots built a seemingly secure lead with 7:03 on the clock, after Kimble again scored on a 69-yard run, and Broc Bridges hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass.

Webster County closed the gap to 41-32 with :53 remaining in the quarter, after scoring on a 26-yard punt return.

The Cougars run was countered with four scores by the Pilots in the fourth quarter, which sealed the win.

Diavian Bradley first crossed the goal line on a 59-yard run at the 11:13 mark, then added a second score on a 23-yard run at 3:05.

The Fulton County defense then added to the scoreboard, with Webbie Turner returning an intercepted pass 59-yards to the endzone, followed by a 34-yard interception return by Broc Bridges with 16 seconds to play.

Coach Bridges said he was proud of his teams ability to overcome the Cougars run in the third quarter.

“It didn’t faze us. We told them all week long that they (Webster) knew how to throw the ball.Their quarterback was a heck of a thrower and he had two go-to guys. They were going to catch the ball and they are a good 3A team. But you know, I believe we are a good 1A team. We can play football. These guys work hard and its always good to get a win in front of your home stands.”

The Pilots Caleb Kimble became the state’s Class-1A leader in rushing following the game, after accumulating 408-yards and four touchdowns, with sophomore Diavian Bradley gaining 103-yards with two scores.

Jerome Warren had one rushing touchdown and was 2-for-3 in passing with one touchdown.

On the defensive side, Tyler Love had three tackles and one interception, with Dylan Hammond recording two solo tackles and six assists. Broc Bridges had two tackles and three assists, with one interception.

Coach Bridges said the 3-1 Pilots will now prepare for Friday’s Homecoming game at Sanger Field.

The Pilots will face Humboldt at 7 p.m.

“We know they have talented athletes, but we will work hard during the week to be ready,” said Bridges. “We know it’s going to be a battle, but we will be ready for it. We want to keep the winning going, and pull off another game in front of our home fans.”

For more photos from the Fulton County/Webster County game, click here.