GEORGETOWN – The Collins Titans knew they faced a tough challenge heading into Scott County territory without starting quarterback Kade Goodwin, sidelined for the second straight week. Taking on one of the region’s toughest teams, the Titans battled but ultimately fell 38–14, suffering their first loss of the season.
The Scott County Cardinals opened their season strong with a 4–0 start before suffering their first setback last week against Madison Central. Coming into week six, the Cardinals were determined to bounce back, and with the added motivation of Senior Night on their home turf, they had plenty of fight in them.
The Cardinals opened a bit rocky, punting on their first possession. After a quiet drive from the Titans, however, Scott County found their rhythm, marching 72 yards down the field. The drive was capped by a 27-yard rushing touchdown from Timmy Emongo, putting the Cardinals on the board.
On the following series, Collins began to run into penalty trouble, stalling any momentum. That opened the door for Scott County, and after an interception on the Titans’ side, quarterback Charlie Ellison connected with Emongo for another touchdown to close out the first quarter, leaving Collins scoreless.
The Cardinals put up yet another touchdown less than a minute into the second quarter, with Emongo rushing another 27 yards into the endzone, leaving the Titans to fight a 21-0 lead. The Titans struggled to get down the field in their drive, putting only 14 yards, ending with a punt at the 18-yard line in Cardinals territory. While the Cardinals were able to amass 56 yards on their drive, the Titans defense, Isaac Estrada, was able to force a fumble on the Cardinals Skyler Way, recovered by Dajari Hardy.
Titans made quick work of their drive, but penalty trouble caused them to fall further back down the field. While they were able to gain 63 yards on the drive, incomplete passes caused the Titans to turn over the ball to the Cardinals on the Scott County 11-yard line.
The Cardinals responded with an outstanding rushing drive, rushing nearly 82 yards, but unable to reach the end zone and opted to kick for the field goal. With one second left on the clock to start the drive, the Titans were unable to produce any result and went into halftime scoreless.
Choosing to defer to the second half after winning the coin toss, the Cardinals put the Titans at their own 35-yard line to start the third quarter. While Hunter was able to connect with Jason Hence, penalties set the Titans back 10-yards, leaving them to punt. The Cardinals responded by putting another touchdown on the board.
Titans’ Javon Hunter made a good effort in the returning drive, but turned over the ball back to the Cardinals in an interception from Keller Furnish. Coming off that energy, the Cardinals would be able to achieve what would be their final touchdown of the night in a 7-yard rush from JT Wells.
Collins was hungry for a scoring drive, and quarterback Hunter delivered with a 31-yard strike to Hence. Caleb Askew followed it up with a strong 16-yard rush, pushing the Titans deep into Scott County territory at the Cardinals’ 24-yard line. After a penalty on Scott County helped extend the drive, Hunter connected with Aviyan Delany on a 12-yard touchdown pass to put Collins on the board. Gage Miller’s extra point was good, securing the Titans’ first points of the game.
The Cardinals stalled in the fourth quarter, managing just 23 yards over seven plays before turning the ball over on downs. Collins wasted no time capitalizing, as Caleb Askew broke into Scott County territory and Hunter once again connected with Hence to set the Titans up at the 5-yard line. Askew finished the drive with a rushing touchdown, marking Collins’ second score of the night.
But with the outcome already in hand, Scott County focused on running out the clock and sealed a 38–14 victory over the Titans.
Collins totaled 236 yards of offense with 171 through the air and 65 on the ground, picking up 10 first downs and converting 2-of-3 red zone chances.
Collins was led by Hunter, who went 13-for-22 for 171 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Delaney for a 12-yard score. Delaney finished with 55 yards on three receptions, while Jason Hence hauled in nine catches for 114 yards. On the ground, Caleb Askew rushed six times for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Miller added two extra points and averaged 35 yards on three punts.
NEXT GAME — Collins will travel to North Laurel on Friday, Oct. 3, for a 7:30p.m kickoff.