Pilots win at Fulton City

by Charles Choate
SENIOR NIGHT – Fulton Independent Schools celebrated Senior Night before the final home football game last Friday. Despite a pouring rain, fans showed up to honor three Bulldogs for their contributions to athletics. Pictured, left to right, are cheerleader Zakira Donald, football player Keith Martin and cheerleader Kereni Ware, who were introduced during pre-game midfield ceremonies. (photo by Charles Choate)
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The Fulton County Pilots broke a four game losing streak with a 48-8 win at Fulton City last Friday night.

Fulton County used touchdown scores from six different players, plus a strong defensive effort from Tyler Love, who recorded 10 solo tackles.

The Pilots started the game with a 34-yard scoring run from Caleb Kimble, with Kimble later returning a punt 52-yards for a 16-0 lead.

Still in the first quarter, C.J. Smith scored on a 10-yard run, with Kimble collecting his third touchdown of the period on a 20-yard run.

The first quarter came to an end with Broc Bridges crossing the goal line on a 29-yard pass play.

In the second quarter, Cameron McCauley gave the Pilots a 40-0 lead on a 16-yard run.

The final score of the night for Fulton County came with :56 left in the fourth quarter, when Dapheus Allen scored on a 35-yard run.

Fulton City put their only points on the scoreboard in the final seconds of the game, when Kelon Bean raced downfield 71-yards, which was complimented by the two point conversion by senior Keith Martin.

“It was good to get back on the winning side,” said Pilots coach James Bridges after the game. “A win is a win and we needed this going into our final game at Ballard. You know, it was a messy night with all of the rain, but we still made our plays and only had one fumble. It was good to see Dae-Dae (Allen) get the score. It was a boost for our team. We just need to get ready for Ballard Memorial and close this thing out on a good note.”

Fulton City closed out their year, with first year coach Harold “Flip” Hutcherson praising the effort of the Bulldogs.

“I am really proud of these guys. We have learned a lot and we have gotten better. I think other kids are now looking at these guys and wanting to be a part of this team. We are going to grow and we are going to get better. I thought we gave a good effort in this game, but things just didn’t turn out like we wanted them to. We are going to comeback next year better.”

Coach Hutcherson confirmed on Monday, the Bulldogs’ season ended with Friday night’s game, as the decision has been made FHS will not travel to Campbellsville post season play.

“With our number of players, and the expense of the travel and meals, the bus and gas, we are not going to make that trip. We would get no money from ticket sales and we are just not going to travel that distance this year,” he said.

The Pilots are now (5-4) and will travel to LaCenter to face (2-7) Ballard Memorial with a 7 p.m. kickoff.