Interception keys Tuscola past SM; Mustangs eliminated from playoffs

Josh Carnes had 60 yards rushing and 40 yards receiving Friday in Smoky Mountain's 20-13 loss to Tuscola.

The loss eliminated the Mustangs (4-5, 1-3) from any chance of making the state 3-A playoffs. The Mountaineers (4-5, 3-1) appear headed for a showdown with Franklin on the final night of the regular season to determine which will earn the WAC's second seed into the playoffs.

The teams appeared headed for overtime tied 13-13 when Chambers stepped in front of a Justin Hawk pass at the Tuscola 40 and returned it to the SM four. Dave Caldwell scored from the one two plays later with 11.5 seconds on the clock. William Baker added the extra point.

Justin Hawk made his first start at quarterback Friday for Smoky Mountain in a 20-13 loss to Tuscola. He completed six of 17 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Hawk completed six of 17 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, but he was intercepted three times.

Golden threw sparingly and completed three of six passes for 32 yards. He attempted just one pass in the second half and none in the fourth quarter. It was on the ground where Golden did his damage running the wishbone. He carried 16 times for 130 yards and a TD.

The Mounties also received a significant offensive contribution from Chambers, who netted 72 yards in 18 carries.

Trent Dillard paced the SM ground attack with 103 yards and a score in 15 attempts.

Josh Carnes added 60 yards in eight carries and caught two passes for 40 yards.

The Mustangs jumped to a 13-0 lead in the first period but failed to score again.

On the next play, Hawk hit Darius Bryson for six points. David Leonard's PAT made it 7-0 with 9:26 left in the opening stanza.

The Mustangs again struck quickly the next time they got the ball. Just two plays after a punt, Dillard took a pitch to the right and raced 61 yards to paydirt.

The extra point was blocked, and SM led 13-0 with 6:38 to go in the first period.

Tuscola threatened following the kickoff by reaching the Mustang 12 before yielding possession on downs. Golden's 52-yard run was the big play.

After an exchange of punts, Hawk and Day combined on a 24-yard pass to the SM 45. Moments later, Hawk's pass was batted in the air by a lineman and intercepted by Joseph Shelton at the Mustang 41. Golden's 25-yard run and his 18-yard screen pass to Seth Chambers helped the Mounties overcome a penalty. Golden's quarterback sneak from the one capped the eight-play drive. Baker's PAT cut the gap to 13-7 with 1:13 left in the half.

Tuscola drove 75 yards in nine plays following the second half kickoff. The highlight was a 41-yard run by Golden. Seth Chambers' two-yard run capped the march with 7:34 left in the third period. Baker's PAT was blocked leaving the score 13-13.

The Mounties got the ball right back when Golden picked off Hawk's pass. They started at their 28 following a penalty and reached the SM 32 before yielding possession on downs.

Dillard picked up two yards on fourth-and-two from the 40, and Hawk completed a 25-yard pass to Carnes moving the ball into Tuscola territory. The threat ended when Dillard fumbled at the 33.

A 17-yard run by Logan Chambers helped put the Mounties in position for Baker's 41-yard field goal, but he came up short with 5:36 left in the game.

Tuscola forced a punt but was unable to generate any offense. The Mounties gambled with a fake punt and were stopped short at the SM 49 with 58 seconds on the clock.

The game-turning interception came two plays later.

The Mustangs gained 114 yards on the ground in the first quarter but were limited to 41 yards the rest of the way. They managed just 55 yards of total offense in the second half.

13

27-155

6-17-3

116

3-27.7

1-1

7-55

First Downs

Rushes-Yds.

Passing

Passing Yds.

Punts-Avg.

Fumbles-Lost

Penalties-Yds.

13

56-274

306-0

32

2-29.5

1-1

5-60

Back to Sports: 10/26/00.