By Jen Johnson
Special to The Citizen

Tension. Such a simple word could be used to describe the atmosphere as inter-county rivals, Fayette County High and Whitewater High, battled each other last Friday night
  
Fayette started quickly with a strong push for control as senior Chad Jones recovered a fumble.

“Our defense went good. We made a few mental mistakes, but can find a way to do even better next week,” said Jones.

The exchange of power on the field continued to switch hands for the remaining of the first quarter. Both teams took timeouts, trying to figure out a way to break the stronghold they had on each other. The quarter would end 0-0.
   
Within four minutes of the second quarter, the Tiger offense made their move. As the clock stroke 8 p.m., the cleats of senior Tim Pettaway dug into the end zone; ball in hand.

“We had the momentum to win the game. I felt like my true self again when I scored,” said Pettaway. However, Fayette’s attempt for the extra point fell short with an unsuccessful kick.

Becoming more aggressive, the Wildcats bypassed Fayette defense and scored on a 17 yard touchdown run by Austin Faulkner, his first of three on the night. Junior Dylan Johnson made good on his kick thus putting Whitewater ahead by one point, 7-6, going into halftime.

Fayette’s strong defense weakened during the second half of the game. Whitewater had adjusted to the Tigers tactics, and it became relevant as multiple points began to light up on the scoreboard under the word guest.

With just over two minutes left in the third quarter, Faulkner scored another touchdown (18 yard run) to go ahead 14-6. Faulkner added one more touchdown in the fourth, this time on a 76 yard touchdown run. Faulkner finished with 134 yards on 11 carries. Chris Wingate of Whitewater had 85 yards on 10 carries.

“I think we played hard but came up a little short. Our one or two mistakes that we made could have made the game. These are just things we need to correct,” said Fayette senior Josh Atwater. 

“I’m really pleased with the effort on both sides of the ball. I think our kids played hard for all four quarters. We just need to find a way to finish, and I believe the difference is the Wildcats ability to do so. This is attributed to themselves and their coaching staff,” said Fayette’s head coach Tommy Webb.

Whitewater Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach Richard Penland also commented on Fayette’s tremendous effort. “Fayette County had a good offense against us on the first half. We adjusted and was able to shut it down. That was the difference maker. Without the rain, we would have had more difficulties.Tonight’s game was a defensive one,” said Penland.

Whitewater will close the regular season Friday night at McIntosh, while Fayette County will take on Starr’s Mill on the road.

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