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Home » Football News

Cougars Pull Away Late for Victory

EDGEWOOD 27, ROSS 7

Rams put up a fight, but still fall to 1-6

Cougars score twice in the final four minutes to pull away from underdog Ross.

By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

Saturday, October 04, 2008

TRENTON - The streak continued, but nothing came easy for the Edgewood High School football team Friday night, Oct. 3.

Heavy underdog Ross charged into Kumler Field and breathed some life into its season with a hard-hitting performance, even as the Rams lost 27-7 in Fort Ancient Valley Conference Scarlet Division play.

The Cougars scored twice in the final four minutes to pull away for their 12th consecutive victory over Butler County rival Ross.

"The score definitely doesn't show how hard they played," said EHS senior Xavier Fugate, who scored a touchdown and spearheaded the Cougars' defense from his new linebacker/strong safety position. "Their defense came up and hit us hard, and our offense didn't adjust. It was like we just expected them to lay down."

It was this kind of night for the Rams: Edgewood fumbled the ball away on the first play from scrimmage, but all Ross could manage was a missed 26-yard field goal.

The Cougars, who improved to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the FAVC, got touchdown runs from Brandon Marcum and Bryant French, while Marcum also hit Fugate and Justin Elder for scores.

"I thought the Ross players and staff did a great job tonight," Edgewood coach Steve Channell said. "It's a game you're glad you won, but you realize you didn't play as well as you should have."

David Miller and Ty Hensley each recovered a fumble for the Rams (1-6, 0-2). Casey Vatter added an interception.

Colten Phelps contributed a touchdown run for Ross, which totaled just 55 yards on the ground. Sophomore quarterback Brady Foley, replacing the injured Erik Geiser, completed 11-of-29 passes for 142 yards and two interceptions (by Fugate and Tony Davis).

"We ran out of gas at the end, but all things considered, I don't think we could've played any better," Rams coach Brian Butts said. "I'm really proud of the kids. A lot of people thought we were going to come over here and get embarrassed, but that's probably the sixth playoff team we've played this year. Anybody who says we're not good, play our schedule."

The score was 14-7 when Marcum fired a quick pass down the line to Fugate, who used a stiff arm to break free for a 34-yard TD with 3:24 left.

"I've been practicing that move," said Fugate, laughing. "Actually, I was just trying to get a first down. It turned out to be a longer play than I expected."

French scored on a 10-yard run with 46.7 seconds remaining. Edgewood rushed for 188 yards, led by Josh Giles (nine carries, 65 yards) and Elder (20 carries, 59 yards).

Both teams return to action next Friday. The Cougars visit Talawanda, while Ross hosts Mount Healthy.

*from the Middletown Journal*

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