Submitted by Brian Alexander

The Edmonson County 10-under team went a perfect 12-0 in the Clarkson Fall League, capping the season on September 26 with a 15-0 win over Clarkson Blue.   Team members were:  Will Alexander, Kalob Harp, Ashton Minyard, Gavin Minyard, Ian Ruth, Owen Ruth, Cole Saling, Blake Skaggs, Jesse Taylor, Emma White, and Ian White. Good job, boys and girls!

Edmonson Voice Staff
Jamie Carnes, photos
GoWildcatNation.com, contributor

The Wildcats were a bit outmatched last night as the South Warren Spartans showed why they are currently ranked number one.  With just a few minutes into the game, the Spartans got on the board with a 54 yard quarterback keeper, making the extra point, leading 7-0. The score remained the same until 11:48 left in the half when the Spartans scored on the exact same play, this time for 25 yards. The extra point was no good, and S. Warren led 13-0. The talented Spartans were able to score twice more in the quarter, taking a 26-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, it was more of the same as the Spartans scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter, taking a 40-0 lead into the fourth. The score would remain the same throughout the remainder of the game, giving South Warren the victory. The Wildcats will face district foe Adair County in Columbia next Friday night.

It's another update from the wonderful world of ECHS Sports! This week, we hear from Senior Drew Decker, Coach Kyle Pierce, and keep you updated on Golf and Volleyball.

ECHS Athletics

NFL Films will be among those attending tonight's football game at Wildcat Stadium against the South Warren Spartans to get a look at the Wildcats' Freshman kicker, Brett Brannon. Brett's "straight-on" kicking style is considered obsolete, as most all kickers today have chosen "soccer style." The soccer method has the kicker line up off-center to the ball and the kick is made with the side of the foot. Brannon's old-school style requires him to line up directly behind the ball in a straight line and the kick is made with the toe. 

The last full-time straight kicker in the NFL retired in 1986. The style supposedly requires much more power, control, and skill. NFL Films will interview Brannon and film him during warm-ups and possibly during the game. Head Coach Kyle Pierce is excited for his young kicker. ​"Brett has done a tremendous job of working in practice and most often in his spare time of improving his kicking ability," he said. "We talk about investment with our players all the time. If you don't invest much, you won't get much in return.  If you invest a lot, you typically see a lot in return. Brett has invested a lot already and it has proven itself over the course of this year already."

Brannon is also looking forward to the opportunity. ​"I'm really excited that NFL films will be coming down tonight. I still have plenty to work on, and this is something I'll continue to try to improve," he said. 

Kickoff is at 7:00pm. The Wildcats are currently 2-3 going into tonight's game. 

Edmonson Voice Staff
Granville Meredith, photos

Junior Hunter Buttram led the Wildcats with a score of 39 yesterday at Cave Valley Golf Course against Warren Central, but it wasn't enough as the Dragons won the match. It's the last week before the regional tournament so we wish the Wildcats well.

In girls play, Junior Lady Cat Kayla Meredith bested all scores with a 37, a 2-over par, coming off her 5th place finish in the Lady Trojan Invitational this past Saturday. Kayla will match up Thursday against Grayson County before the regional tourney next week. 

Photos by Darren Doyle


Wildcat Stadium was full last night during the big homecoming win against Metcalfe County. We'll have a full story later, but here are some of our favorite photos from the game for now.

Edmonson Voice Staff

The Wildcats celebrated a sweet 23-14 victory tonight with a homecoming win over the Metcalfe County Hornets. We'll have a full game recap later, but for now, enjoy this short reel of highlights along with an interview with Coach Kyle Pierce. 

It's time once again to talk ECHS Football, Volleyball, and Golf! This week, we spotlight Senior Volleyball player Julie Sullivan. Also, it's hard to believe, but we are getting closer to another Big Reedy Christmas Wreath season...

EC Athletics Staff

The Edmonson County Wildcat football team lost a tough battle with Hancock County last Friday night in Hawesville 38-36. The Wildcats trailed 23-8 at halftime and stormed back but fell just shy of scrapping out a victory.

The Wildcats struggled offensively early in the game. With both its first series inside Hancock County territory, the Wildcats could not capitalize on the good field position. The Hornets got on the board first with a 19 yard touchdown pass after the Wildcats were intercepted on a pass attempt. The Hornets converted the 2 point conversion for an 8-0 lead with 4:44 left in the first quarter. The Wildcats put together another good drive but penalties forced the Wildcats to punt. The Wildcat defense held the Hornets and forced a punt out of their own endzone. The Wildcat offense got the ball at the Hornet 42-yard line but were forced to punt. The Hornets scored again on a 5-yard pass. The Hornets converted the 2 point conversion for a 16-0 lead with 4:26 left in the first half. The Wildcat offense was yet again forced to punt. The Wildcat defense came up big when junior defensive end Tyler Hayes sacked the Hornet quarterback forcing a fumble that senior defensive end John Finch jumped on at the Hornet 20 yard line. The Wildcats used a 4 play drive and scored on a 3 yard touchdown run by Finch. The Wildcats converted the 2 point conversion with another Finch run off of left tackle. The Hornets used a good kick return to set up the last play of the half. From the Wildcat 45-yard line, the Hornets through a deep pass that was caught by a Hornet receiver for a touchdown. The Hornets kicked the extra point for a 23-8 halftime lead.

The Wildcats used an onside kick to surprise the Hornets and sophomore Dylan Waldrop jumped on the kick at the Hornet 44-yard line. The Wildcats used a 7-play drive and scored on a quarterback sneak from sophomore quarterback Jake Dial from 2 yards out. The Wildcats attempt at a 2 point conversion failed to keep the score at 23-14 with 8:23 left in the 3rd quarter. Both teams traded punts during the remainder of the 3rd quarter. The Hornets began the fourth quarter with the football and the Wildcat defense forced another Hornet punt. After a bad snap, Hayes picked up the loose ball and ran 25 yards for a touchdown. Freshmen kicker Brett Brannon added the extra point to cut the deficit to 23-21 with 11:41 left in the game. The Hornets only needed two plays to score on the next series when a Hornet running back squirted free for a 49-yard touchdown run. They added the extra point for a 30-21 lead with 11:08 left in the game. The Wildcats struck right back when junior Jarod Hines returned the kickoff 65 yards to the Hornet 25 yard line. The Wildcat offense needed just one play when Dial found senior receiver Garry Foley behind the defense for a 25 yard touchdown pass. Hines ran in the 2 point conversion to cut the score to 30-29 with 10:43 left in the game. The Hornets then scored on a 54 yard pass when a Hornet receiver caught a slant and went untouched. The Hornets added a two point conversion for a 38-29 lead with 8:39 left in the fourth quarter. The Wildcat offense then used a 15 play drive and scored on a 1-yard sneak by Dial. The Wildcats added the extra point to cut the score to 38-36 with 1:49 left in the game. The Wildcats tried an onside kick but the Hornets recovered. The Wildcats had two timeouts left and used them to force a 3rd and short, but a Wildcats offside penalty allowed the Hornets to run out the clock with a 38-36 win.

Head football coach Kyle Pierce said he was proud of the way his team fought in the 2nd half. “With the way the 1st half ended and we are going in the locker room down 23-8 and have to kick off to them, I was a little worried with how we were going to respond. We came out and played hard and made some plays in our kicking game, offense and defense. Hancock County just made a few too many plays offensively. We kept fighting. When we got down there at the end, we still found a way to drive the ball all the way down field to cut it to two. We were hoping to either get on the onside kick or get a quick stop and try to move the ball down to attempt a field goal to win the game. Hancock County is 3-1 and there is a reason for that. They are extremely talented. We’ve lost our last two games by a combined 9 points to two teams that are both 3-1. So we are close, but we are not there yet. We’ll get back to work and focus on fixing our mental mistakes.”

The Wildcats will now play at home for two weeks with Friday night being Homecoming at ECHS. The Wildcats will face a Metcalfe County team that Pierce says is eerily similar to his team. “They are 1-3 and have played some tough teams as well. Their defensive line is the biggest we will see all year. Their front four’s combined weight is over a 1,000 pounds. So we will have our hands full. We just need to keep doing what we are doing, keep working together and we’ll be fine.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00. Homecoming festivities will be during halftime. 

Edmonson Voice Staff    photos by Granville Meredith

The ECHS Lady Cat Volleyball team hosted Bowling Green on Thursday night.  The freshman lost their first set 14 – 21, but came back for the second set and won 21 – 17.  They finally fell short on the last set, losing 18 – 21.

The junior varsity attempted to avenge the Freshman loss and took first set 21 – 16.  However, BG took the last two sets for the win. 

The varsity squad came out looking sharp with help from a great crowd and a loud pep section.  The first set was back and forth the entire way as the largest lead of the set was 1-3.  Mikayla Lindsey and Caitlin Simon were matched virtually point-for-point by the size and hitters from BG. The Lady Cats seemed to be at a disadvantage in size, but the contest was as evenly matched you could ask for. Both teams consistently made highlight reel plays, but BG eventually won the first set 25 – 27.  Back row play was very solid, led by Senior co-captain Julie Sullivan and Mary Chris Waddell.  Morgan Miller played well on the front row making some key blocks and hits.  Co-Captain and setter Laney Meredith was great with her sets, allowing the hitters opportunities to score points. 

The second set was a carbon copy of the first with the exception of a few mental mistakes by the Lady Cats. The Purples were able to capitalize on those mistakes and won the second set 19 – 25,  winning the match in two straight sets.  

Coach Ritter said “I'm pretty happy with the way the ladies played.  Bowling Green is a really good team and we hung in there until the end.  (If) We keep playing like this, we will have a great season!”

EC Athletics Staff
With great recent performances over Hart County, Warren Central, and Butler County, it was frustrating to lose to Whitesville Trinity in the 3rd Region All A Classic Tournament, especially after suffering another loss to them earlier in the year. Head Coach Heather Ritter is still positive, as she says her team continues to improve, and plays with so much heart.  Ritter said,  "Whitesville is a team that no matter when or where we match up with them, we both know that it's going to be an intense game right down to that final match point, I'm so proud of these girls. It was a tough game but we didn't quit, and that's what matters most." 

The Lady Cats host the Lady Purples of Bowling Green High School tomorrow, Thursday, September 11th.  Freshman begin play at 5:30; JV and Varsity will follow.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Before their match on Tuesday, two members of the Lady Cats Volleyball team were honored for their play in the All A Volleyball Classic in Hancock County. Morgan Miller, a junior, was presented the All A Academic Award, as junior Laney Meredith was named to the All A Tournament Team.  Laney said it was a great honor for her to receive the award. "I'm so proud of how far we've come this season," she said. "We can go even farther if we continue to play like we did against Trinity." 

Edmonson Voice Staff
Photos by Granville Meredith
On Tuesday evening the Edmonson County Lady Cats took on Butler Co. in a district match-up in Brownsville.  The Junior Varsity began the night with a solid performance, winning their match 2 – 0.  The Varsity Lady Cats then came out ready to play.  In the first set, EC downed Butler Co 25 – 10, thanks to Mikayla Lindsey and Laney Meredith's serving.   The second game started out much the same, led this time in hitting by Caitlin Simon, Mary Chris Waddell, and back row play from the lone senior Julie Sullivan.  The Lady Cats won with a final score of 25 – 7.  In the third set Morgan Miller, Morgan Skaggs, and Elizabeth Woodcock all performed well as Coach Ritter  removed the starters and gave some playing time to the bench. EC was able to win the third match with ease.

Next game is September 11 at home against Bowling Green, the first serve will be 5pm.

Edmonson Voice Staff, photos by Granville Meredith
The Lady Cats had a busy volleyball week with a sweep against the Hart County Raiders on Thursday night, and a loss to Whitesville Trinity in the All A Tournament in Hancock County on Saturday. The girls cruised with freshman, JV, and Varsity wins against the Raiders, but found themselves with more of a challenge in the tourney on Saturday. One bright spot was Laney Meredith being named to the all-tournament team. The Lady Cats' next match will be at home tomorrow night at 5pm against Butler Co.

ECHS Athletic Staff
The Edmonson County Wildcat football team fell to 1-2 after this past Friday night’s tough 10-3 loss to Grayson County here in Brownsville.

The Wildcats opened the game with the football moving into Cougar territory before punting the ball deep. The Wildcat defense forced a three and out and forced a punt. The Wildcats moved the ball inside the 10 yard line but could not convert a 3rd down play. Freshmen kicker Brett Brannon made a 25-yard field goal from the right hash for a Wildcat 3-0 lead with 3:09 left in the first quarter. The Wildcat defense held strong and forced a punt, but the Wildcat offense was forced to punt from deep in their own territory on their next series. Grayson received the ball on the Wildcat 45-yard line. The Cougars then used an 11-play drive and scored on a 6-yard run by Cougar quarterback Talon Gary. The Cougars added an extra point for a 7-3 advantage with 5:57 left in the half. The Wildcats moved the ball toward midfield, but a couple penalties pushed them back and were forced to punt. The Cougars tried a couple plays before half, but were unsuccessful against the Wildcat defense.

The second half began with the Cougars going on a 12-play drive to the Wildcat 28-yard line, but the Wildcat defense held on 4th and 5. The Wildcat offense moved the ball on an 8-play drive that appeared to get a first down inside the Cougar 10-yard line on a quarterback scramble, but a penalty moved the ball back. The Wildcats could not convert on 4th down, giving the ball back to the Cougars. The Wildcats defense forced another punt near midfield. The Wildcat offense moved the ball toward midfield but was forced to punt. After a short punt, the Cougars had the ball at their own 46-yard line. The Wildcat defense again came up big with a 3 and out and forced another punt. The Wildcats turned the ball over for the first time this season as sophomore quarterback Jake Dial was scrambling in the pocket and was hit from behind and the Cougars jumped on the loose ball at the Wildcats 9-yard line. Once again, the Wildcat defense held strong, stopping the Cougars 3 straight plays forcing a 25 yard field goal which gave Grayson County a 10-3 lead with 6:18 left in the game. The Wildcat offense then used an 11-play drive moving the ball all the way to the Cougar 5 yard line. However, the Wildcats could not punch it in. On 4th and goal at the 5 yard line, the Cougars intercepted a pass to seal the victory.

Head football coach Kyle Pierce says it was a tough way to end the game, but there were lots of positives to take from the game. “Obviously it’s a game you want to win. Every game is. I thought our kids played extremely hard. Grayson has a great team with pretty much everybody back from last season. Our kids made some big plays but we had so many opportunities to have more. We had a lot of dropped passes, some overthrown passes, and a couple chances at creating some turnovers defensively. We were very close. When we were down and had to have a drive, we moved the ball all the way to their 5-yard line. We will have to continue to work hard and stress the importance of daily improvement. Our team got better this week. We were not proud of the outcome, but I am proud of their effort.”

The Wildcats now will travel to Hancock County this Friday night to face a 2-1 Hornet team. Pierce says the Wildcats will have to play better this week. “We will have to have a great effort to win this game. Hancock is a good football team. They are tough at home. I like how our team is getting better, but now we are getting closer to the district schedule, so we have to continue sharpening things up and not make mistakes we have made.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 in Hawesville.

 

Edmonson Voice Staff     photos by Scott Skaggs
The Edmonson County Middle School Wildcats played a rare Saturday game yesterday against the Cougars of Hancock County. Relying heavily on the offense of Jonathan Hollis and Kenny Logsdon, the Wildcats proved to be too much for the Cougars, defeating them 30-18 at home.