FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (Army News Service, Dec. 6, 2007) -- Fort Campbell High School will play for a Kentucky Class 2A state football championship Saturday for the first time since 1980 after defeating Metcalfe County 24-15 in a regional semifinal game Nov. 30 in Edmonton, Ky.
Many of the players have parents that are currently deployed with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), which has units both in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Campbell High victory over the Hornets moves the Falcons (12-2) into the title game against regional semifinal winner Newport Central Catholic (13-1) Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky.
"This feels absolutely incredible," said Falcons head coach Shawn Berner. "What a great thing this is for our community, our school, and our program. These kids did a great job, and I just can't be happy enough for them."
During the game Friday, Fort Campbell players knew they were in for a tough time early in the first quarter when Metcalfe County scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass at the 8:55 mark during its opening drive.
The determined Falcons' defensive unit then buckled down to harass and stymie the Hornets offense for the rest of the game.
Fort Campbell got on the scoreboard at the 10:31 point in the second quarter when sophomore running back Troy Turner powered his way across the goal line on a 1-yard run. Following senior Allan R. Johnson's extra point kick, the score was tied 7-7.
During the Falcons next drive, senior quarterback C.J. Croft hit sophomore wide receiver Chris Allen with a 51-yard pass to put them in scoring position again at the 6:17 mark. Croft then used his speed and agility to dart through the Hornets defense from the 7-yard line to score the Falcons second touchdown.
Metcalfe County launched one more drive in the second quarter, but with time running out Hornets quarterback Will Warf was forced to heave a 'Hail Mary' pass downfield which was intercepted by Falcon defensive back Olan Andrews to end the first half.
"I knew the last play of the half was going to be a deep ball," Olan Andrews said. "I saw them scramble, so I just stayed with the receiver and made a play on the ball."
Fort Campbell headed to the locker room at halftime clinging to a 14-7 lead.
"Olan's interception was big because it gave us the momentum we needed to start the second half," Coach Berner said. "Our play on defense was just solid all night, and these kids played a huge game."
The momentum was definitely with Fort Campbell when play resumed in the third quarter.
With 10:41 on the clock, senior wide receiver Lorenzo Hines hauled in a 42-yard pass from for a touchdown. The point-after kick then gave the Falcons a 21-7 advantage.
Metcalfe County fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff, and Fort Campbell recovered on the Hornets 27-yard line.
Fort Campbell's drive to the end zone, however, stalled due to penalties and a quarterback sack. Alan Johnson was then sent in at the 8:28 mark to attempt a 38-yard field goal, which he nailed to advance the Falcons' lead to 24-7. That score held strong until the fourth quarter.
Metcalfe County still had plenty of fight when the final period of play started, and the Hornets stung the Falcons just six seconds into the fourth quarter with a 25-yard scoring pass. The Hornets then attempted a two-point conversion which failed, leaving the score at 24-13.
Two Metcalfe County drives later, Raquan Durrante intercepted a Hornets pass to seemingly put the Falcons in the driver's seat. However, C.J Croft was then intercepted at the 4:00 mark, giving the football back to Metcalfe County on the Falcons' 20-yard line.
The Hornets continued to advance the football, leading to a first-and-goal situation from the Falcons' 4-yard line.
With their backs to the wall, the Fort Campbell defense then made a tough goal line stand.
On fourth down, Josh Carter got to the Hornet's quarterback again, smacking his arm just as he released a pass toward the end zone. The ball sailed over the head of the intended receiver, ending the Hornets' drive and turning the football over to Fort Campbell on their own 1-yard line.
"They triple-teamed me all night, and I really had to fight to get free to make the play," Josh Carter said. "I knew if we stopped them on that drive, we should be in good shape to close out the game."
Fort Campbell was able to run the clock down to 1:20 on its next set of downs before taking an intentional safety, giving Metcalfe County two additional points, but leaving the Hornets with little time to score the nine points they needed to tie the game.
When the final buzzer sounded, Fort Campbell had secured the 24-15 victory and a trip to the Class 2A state championship.
"Oh, my gosh--we're going to the state championship," said senior linebacker Sean Tighe. "That is the most amazing thing I've ever had happen to me in my life. My heart is about to bust out of my chest right now."
"This feels great because the high school team I played on last year was 1-9, and this year we're 12-2," wide-receiver Allen said. "I'm standing here as a sophomore going to a state championship, and I feel good."
For the game, Fort Campbell racked up 283 yards of total offense, which included 76 yards rushing and 207 yards passing.
"Our slogan this year is 'for the ring,' and that has been our goal since last December," C.J. Croft said. "We now actually have the chance to play for that state championship ring, and we're all very happy about that. We know Newport Catholic has a strong team, but we'll be ready for them on game day."
(Patti Marquess writes for the Fort Campbell Courier newspaper.)
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