Cougars finally get by War Eagles
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special thanks to 4quartersonline.com
MEDART -- The day after Thanksgiving is known around the country as "Black Friday", a day when many Americans begin shopping for Christmas gifts.
For the 2012 Godby Cougars, Black Friday will be known as the day the Cougars began "shopping" for a state title by edging previously unbeaten Wakulla, 14-7, in the second round of the class 5A playoffs.
Godby (11-1) trailed top ranked Wakulla (11-1) early after War Eagle quarterback Caleb Stephens threw an 18 yard strike to make the score 7-0. But Godby responded quickly after recovering a Wakulla fumble. The turnover lead to a Cougar touchdown as quarterback J.T. Bradwell found Tim Longmire to make the score 7-6.
Wakulla wasted no time on the ensuing drive and marched down the field easily, finally reaching the Godby 1 yard line. What happened next set the stage for what could only be described as an unraveling of sorts for the War Eagles.
On the next play, Wakulla running-back Monterious Loggins fumbled the football out of the back of the end-zone, resulting in a touchback.
With the momentum clearly in Godby's favor the Cougar defense took over in the second half, holding the once potent Wakulla offense scoreless for the first time all season.
Wakulla was unable to find any rhythm in the final two quarters as several trips into the red-zone that should have resulted in points were instead marred with penalties.
The War Eagles lone opportunity at a game changer was taken away when a blocked kick and fumble recovery - that would have ended up a sure touchdown - ended when Godby's Wade Phillips brought down the ball carrier near mid-field.
Shortly afterwards the Cougars put away the War Eagles for good when Cougar running back Kenny Young raced 20 yards for the final score of the night.
Even though the Cougars seemed to struggle on special teams, defensively Godby was nearly perfect, as defenders Jacob Pugh and Luke Helms made several key plays to keep Wakulla off balance offensively.
Earlier in the week Godby Head Coach Ronnie Cottrell was admit about the importance of finding a way to beat their district rival.
"We have a lot of work to do and we can't rest on what we've already done," said Cottrell. "This will be the fourth time in two years that we've played them (Wakulla)and we have not beaten them. This will be a tremendous ballgame."
Indeed it was.
Next week Godby will travel to Jacksonville Bishop Kenny for the 5A region 1 final.
Special Thanks to Marc Adams of 4Quartersonline.com - Tallahassee's Prep sports headquarters.