Collierville senior Ed Pomphrett attempts to tackle Cordova linebacker Jevon Connor after a Dragon fumble in the second half. Collierville had three turnovers in the half. Pomphrett finished the game with 77 yards. The Dragons are now 2-3 on the season and scheduled to host rival Arlington Friday night. Photo by Roger Cotton
By graduating eight starters on the defensive side of the ball last year, one could imagine that Collierville’s defense would have issues filling the absent holes this season. However, the defense has recently held its own against some tough competition.
The offense on the other hand has had troubles moving the ball down the field. The Dragons started the game scoring a rushing touchdown but multiple Collierville turnovers in the second half were key factors in the game as Cordova beat the Dragons 27-10.
Collierville started the game out strong with recovered muffed punt and starting the drive on the Wolves 40 yard line. The Dragons put together a 7-play, 40-yard drive with Matt Connors running it in for the touchdown (PAT by Dylan Scott was good) for the early 7-0 lead.
On the next series for Cordova, the Wolves drove down the field and kicked a 25-yard field goal to cut into the lead 7-3.
The Wolves scored again in the 2nd quarter on a 35 yard field goal to only be down 7-6. Collierville answered with a 38-yard field goal by Dylan Scott to extend the lead 10-6.
A bad punt by the Dragons gave Cordova good field position on the Collierville 43, and the Wolves capitalized on their opportunity by scoring with less than a minute left in the half on a 3-yard rushing touchdown (PAT was good) for a halftime lead of 13-10.
The second half started out good for Collierville when the Dragon’s defense stalled a Cordova scoring drive and the Wolves’ 22-yard field goal attempt hit the right side goalpost was no good.
After the failed field goal attempt, Collierville started the next series on its 20 yard line and fumbled the next snap with the Wolves running the fumble into the end zone for a touchdown (PAT was good) for a 20-10 lead that they would not give up.
Collierville gave up two more turnovers (fumble and interception) with Cordova scoring another 3-yard touchdown (PAT was good) in the fourth quarter to end the scoring.
Collierville’s seven first downs, with 100 total yards of offense, was a factor as Cordova’s total offense went for 343 total yards. The bright spot for Collierville’s offense was Edmond Pomphrett, who had 77 total yards.
The Dragon’s defense was led by Tyler Garvey’s 12 tackles and Cole Johnson with 11 tackles.
“We struggled tonight,” said Coach Mike O’Neill. “We came out with some energy at first and offensively we did some good things, but we played all of our cards early in the game.
“Defensively, we played with a lot of heart;” he continued. “This could have been a game where we gave up a lot of points but our guys kept playing hard. We have to fix some things on the offensive side and regroup. ”
Collierville is 2-3 at the midway point of the season with the Dragons in the middle of their tough district schedule. Collierville’s next game will be back at home against district rival Arlington Tigers on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
BOX SCORE
First Quarter
• Col — Matt Connors 10 run (Dylan Scott kick)
• Cor — Jose Hernandez 25 FG
Second Quarter
• Cor — Jose Hernandez 35 FG
• Col — Dylan Scott 38 FG
• Cor — Harold Lacy 3 run (Jose Hernandez kick)
Third Quarter
• Cor — Braylon Brown 20 fumble recovery (Jose Hernandez kick)
Fourth Quarter
• Cor — Harold Lacy 3 run (Jose Hernandez kick)
PASSING — Collierville, Matt Connors 4-8-45-0, Parker Moss 0-7-0-1. Cordova, Devin Coleman 9-18-109-0, Micah Moreland 0-4-0-0.
RECEIVING — Collierville, Paul Pomphrett 3-27. Cordova, Khaleb Johnson 4-52, Edward Johnson 3-35.
RUSHING — Cordova, Donta Franklin 15-97, Harold Lacy 22-127.
