By GARY JOHNSON ~ gjohnson@t-g.com
Shelbyville Central’s defense turned in an outstanding performance in a matchup where points were a minimum.
A couple of missed scoring opportunities early proved costly as the Golden Eagles dropped a 14-12 decision to talented Hendersonville in a non-district clash on Friday night at the Eagles Nest.
The Commandos (5-2) entered the game scoring an average of 30.8 points a game, featuring a very good run attack.
Shelbyville Central’s defense only gave up one touchdown, with Hendersonville’s other score coming off a pick-six.
“Our defense really played well against a very good team that can run the football,” defensive coordinator Jud Dryden said. “Their only touchdown against our defense was aided by a three penalties that we had.”
The Commandos offense got on the board when Torin Baker rushed 16 yards at the 1:40 mark of the first quarter.
Shelbyville Central responded with a nice pass play from Kade Cunningham to Gavin Donegan, covering 38 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 7-6 early in the second quarter.
The Eagle defense made a huge play and forced a fumble that was scooped up by sophomore Logan McBee and returned 53 yards to the end zone for a touchdown for the 12-7 advantage at the intermission.
The lone score in the second half was a pass interception by Ellis Ellis that was returned 65 yards for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.
“It would have been nice to have been able to punch one of those early scoring opportunities in and it might have been a completely different game,” Dryden said. “Our guys fought tonight and we thought we had a good week of practice.”
Cunningham connected on 10-of-22 passes for 142 yards and added 37 yards on the ground to lead the Eagles.
Donegan had a pair of catches for 75 yards
The Eagles (2-5) travels to Warren County for a region matchup on Friday night at 7.
Hendersonville 7 0 7 0 — 14
Shelbyville Central 0 12 0 0 — 12
First Quarter
H – Torin Baker 16 run (kick), 1:40.
Second Quarter
SC – Gavin Donegan 38 pass from Kade Cunningham (kick blocked), 10:35.
SC – Logan McBee 53 fumble recovery (kick blocked), 0:08.
Third Quarter
H – Ellis Ellis 65 interception (kick), 4:47.
THE YARD STICK
H SC
Rushing Yards 140 76
Passing Yards 37 142
Total Yards 177 218
First Downs 9 10
Penalties-Yards 13-109 7-73
Turnovers 3 1
Returns-Yards 1-67 2/59
Time of Possession 27:20 20:40
