Wildcats Now 2-0 With Win Over Bears

Freshman Matthew Shaw runs the ball against Butler County in a 34-8 EC win.

Edmonson Spoils Butler's Home Opener With 34-8 Win

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County improved to 2-0 on the season as they defeated the Butler County Bears 34-8 in Morgantown tonight. The Wildcats struck first in the first on sophomore quarterback Jon Smith's touchdown on the QB keeper. After two more touchdowns and an extra point in the second, Edmonson County was able to take a 19-0 lead at the half.

Sophomore Isaiah Johnson leaps for a catch against Butler County's Tyler Yates.

Sophomore Clay Walden kicks on a extra point attempt.

Junior Skyler Cline with a run against Butler County.

The Wildcats scored again in the third and took a 26-0 lead into the fourth quarter. Edmonson County took advantage of Butler County turnovers throughout the night as the Bears had trouble controlling the ball.

EC scored another touchdown just over a minute into the final quarter to extend the lead to 34-0. Butler County was finally able to get on the board with a touchdown and two-point conversion in the final minutes of the game to make the final score 34-8. 

Edmonson County compiled 299 yards of rushing offense, converted on 6/10 passing opportunities for 140 yards of passing offense. Total yardage for EC was 439 compared to only 52 total offensive yards for the Bears.

Coach Nathan Smith credited the offensive line for much of the success seen on the offensive side of things tonight.

"They're doing a great job. For the most part, they're all young guys. We're starting three sophomores, a junior, and a senior," Smith said. "They're all big kids, they're all smart kids, they're able to see what front we're giving and kind of adjust from there. We go over two or three fronts with them every week and they're smart enough to see when the other team shifts around from one thing to another so we know who to block every time. Really proud of the offensive line and I know they're only going to get better from here."

Smith also said he was pleased with the defense and hard, solid tackles.

"I'm glad of how aggressive we are defensively and our linebackers did a really good job of playing really well inside."

The focus now shifts on next Friday for the annual "Tobacco Bowl" with long-time rivals Grayson County as the Cougars travel to Edmonson County for the Wildcats' season home opener.

"They have a heckuva running back and I know we're going to have to tackle him," Smith said. "I think we had too many penalties tonight early on, so I think if we can cut that out, we'll be fine next week."