Cats Earn First Win of Season Over Bulldogs

Edmonson County Defeats Clinton County 28-20

Wildcat receiver Will Saling leaps for a catch that would result in a touchdown against Clinton County.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Wildcats celebrated their first win of the 2025 season over the Clinton County Bulldogs 28-20 on the road in Albany.

The Wildcats, powered by solid performances from Will Saling, Tristan Muse, and Jacoia Orvis, controlled the game from the opening whistle, building a lead that Clinton County couldn’t overcome.

Quarterback Tristen Muse makes a pass against Clinton County.

Junior Andre Hunter (10) celebrates an interception against Clinton County.

Blayne Deweese throws a 67-yard pass on a trick play that was caught for a touchdown.

The Wildcats struck early in the first quarter when senior wide receiver Will Saling hauled in a 27-yard touchdown pass with 7:32 remaining, putting Edmonson County up 7-0 after a successful extra point by kicker Colten White. The momentum continued as senior quarterback Tristan Muse powered his way into the end zone on a 1-yard keeper with 2:54 left in the quarter. White’s extra point extended the lead to 14-0, a score that held through the end of the first quarter.

Clinton County responded in the second quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run by Tristan Rogers at the 9:00 mark, though a failed extra point kept the score at 14-6. The Wildcats answered swiftly, as running back Blayne Deweese connected with Saling on a stunning 67-yard touchdown pass on a trick play. White’s extra point pushed Edmonson County’s lead to 21-6 with 8:37 left in the half, a margin that stood firm at halftime.

The Bulldogs showed fight in the third quarter, narrowing the gap when Jason Massangale caught a 42-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion, making it 21-14 with 9:34 to go. However, Edmonson County’s Jacoia Orvis silenced Clinton County’s comeback hopes with a 4-yard touchdown run at the 5:35 mark. White’s extra point restored the Wildcats’ two-score lead at 28-14, which held through the end of the third quarter.

The Wildcats’ defense clamped down in the fourth quarter as it appeared the Bulldogs would be shut out in the final minutes until Clinton County quarterback Mason scored a touchdown on a keeper with 24 seconds left after a pass interference penalty from the Wildcats. The two-point conversion was no good as the Bulldogs dropped the ball as the rusher crossed the end zone and the Wildcats held a 28-20 lead.

Saling’s two touchdown receptions, Muse’s gritty quarterback play, and Orvis’s clutch scoring run highlighted a balanced Edmonson County attack that proved too much for Clinton County.

The Wildcats had 226 yards rushing, 94 passing, as well as 7 penalties for 50 yards in favor of the Bulldogs.

With the win, the Wildcats improve their record to 1-1 on the season.