By GARY JOHNSON ~ gjohnson@t-g.com
McMINNVILLE — Taking care of business on the road in a key region matchup proved to be very rewarding for Shelbyville Central on Friday night.
With the 41-26 win over Warren County, the Golden Eagles clinched the runner-up spot in Region 3-6A and will host an opening round game in the TSSAA State Playoffs.
Shelbyville Central took control of the game by scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter and cruised from that point forward for the double-digit victory.
“We made a few moves in the offensive line this week that panned out and brought some age to the offensive line with moving a pair of seniors there,” Coach Jud Dryden said. “Our offense responded and did a much better job of completing drives.”
The Eagles led 13-7 at halftime with senior quarterback Kade Cunningham rushing for a TD in the first quarter before Laquan Young rushed for his first of three TDs.
Warren County’s lone score of the first half came off a 91-yard kickoff return by Donathan Lewis.
A combined 47 points were scored in the second half.
Cam Grogan scored on a 50-yard pass from Cunningham, Young ran 23 yards to the end zone then Cunningham added a four-yard run as the Eagles held a 33-14 advantage going into the fourth quarter.
Young scored on a four-yard run before the Pioneers added a pair of late touchdowns.
Shelbyville Central’s defense collected two turnovers and only allowed 215 yards of total offense.
Young rushed for 164 yards on 17 touches while Cunningham connected on 8-of-13 passes for 113 yards to go along with 63 yards rushing.
Grogan caught 4 passes for 71yards.
“We’ve still have to clean up some things in every phase of the game as we close out the regular season and prepare for the playoffs,” Dryden said.
The Eagles (3-5, 2-1) host undefeated 6A powerhouse Summit on Friday at 7 p.m.
Shelbyville Central 7 6 20 8 — 41
Warren County 7 0 7 12 — 26
First Quarter
SC – Kade Cunningham 2 run, (Ben Betzelberger kick), 5:23.
WC – Donathan Lewis 91 kickoff return, (Beckham Scott kick), 5:07.
Second Quarter
SC – Laquan Young 5 run, (kick failed), 11:40.
Third Quarter
SC – Cam Grogan 50 pass from Cunningham, (Cunningham run), 9:23.
SC – Young 23 run, (pass failed), 8:21.
WC – 3 pass, (Scott kick), 4:58.
SC – Cunningham 4 run, (run failed), 1:15.
Fourth Quarter
SC – Young 5 run, (Grogan pass from Cunningham), 8:28.
WC – 32 pass, (kick failed), 7:19.
WC – Nate Elrod 5 run (kick failed), 0:46.
THE YARD STICK
SC WC
Rushing Yards 242 133
Passing Yards 113 82
Total Yards 355 215
First Downs 14 10
Penalties-Yards 6-85 8-72
Turnovers 1 2
Returns-Yards 3-25 3-133
Time of Possession 24:43 23:17
