Copper Basin shuts out Lookout Valley, moves to 6-0
Team FYN Sports October 4, 2020
The photos in this article are courtesy of Penny Montgomery
The Copper Basin Cougars (6-0, 3-0) travelled down to Chattanooga on Friday night to play a region matchup against the Lookout Valley Yellowjackets (2-5, 0-2).
Lookout Valley entered the game on a four game losing skid, falling to South Pittsburg, Brainerd, Coosa and Huntland in the weeks before.
Copper Basin was riding an undefeated high, as they had beaten every opponent they had faced, but they were also coming off of a couple weeks where they had not played a game because of COVID-19 protocols.
Things were a little sloppy for the Cougars in the opening quarter of the game, and you could tell they had been out of commission for a few weeks. They finally got things rolling though as they went into halftime with a 15-0 lead over the Jackets.
Starting Cougars Quarterback Bryson Grabowski was however injured in the first half of the game and did not return to action. It is hoped that he will return in the next week or two.
The Cougars Defense held strong the whole game. They pitched a shutout and Basin won 21-0.
The defense was led by Timmy Fair, who had 9.5 tackles and 2 tackles for loss in the game. Eli Patterson and Addison Hook both recovered a fumble for the Cougars, while Patterson tallied 3.5 tackles and 2 tackles for loss and Hook tacking on 4.5 tackles. Larry Dye and Joe Boggs were two more cornerstones for the defense, having 8 tackles and 8.5 tackles, respectfully.
The offense was a little quiet on Friday night, especially after Grabowski went out, but Sebastian Baliles kept them going, compiling 19 carries for 163 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Grabowski was 1/2 through the air for 38 yards and 1 touchdown while racking up 31 yards with his feet.
Joe Boggs came in for Grabowski, going 1/3 for 18 yards. Boggs also ran for 18 yards.
The Cougars are set to play at McMinn Central next week, where they will look to remain undefeated on the year.
The Cougars are currently ranked first in 1A region 3.
Friday Night Lights Kickoff- Copper Basin @ Polk County
Featured Stories, Sports, Team FYN Sports August 24, 2020
Opening week of football in the state of Tennessee. The Copper Basin Cougars ventured up HWY 64, or what the locals call “The River Road” and took a right turn on HWY 411. Shortly after being on 411 the Cougars arrived at Larry G Davis Football Complex at Polk County High School.
The Cougars, defeated Polk County last season 15-7 in Copperhill. Entering the game on Friday, Copper Basin had not defeated Polk at Polk since 2002, when Former Head Coach Mark Stone led the team to a 15-6 victory.
Polk County won the toss and elected to receive. On the 1st play from scrimmage Polk County QB, Kole Green, had reservations for 6 as he ran 61 yards for a Wildcat Touchdown.
Copper Basin would answer. Quarterback Bryson Grabowski, would run into the end zone for a Touchdown run of 5 yards. Grabowksi, also ran in the 2 point conversion as the Cougars would lead the Wildcats 8-7 with 1:04 left in the 1st quarter.
At the end of 1st, Basin, would still lead 8-7. Polk County would not be able to get anything going on the 1st drive of the 2nd half. Copper Basin’s Timmy Fair, had a long run which set up Grabowski to Dawson Worthy for a 19 yard Touchdown pass. Grabowski again would run in the 2 PT Conversion. Copper Basin would now lead 16-7 with 8 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.
Polk County would put together a drive into Cougar territory with 1st down runs by Eddie Lamb and Green. Copper Basin’s Joe Boggs, would make a big stop in the backfield to bring up 4th down for Polk County. The Field Goal was missed but a running into the kicker penalty against Copper Basin would give Polk County new life and a 1st down. Polk would convert another 1st down and which set up 1st and goal for the Wildcats. Timmy Fair had a big stop In the backfield on 3rd and goal for Basin. Polk County would kick a 31 yard field goal to cut the score to 16-10 with 2:23 left in the 2nd.
16-10 would be your halftime score in favor of the Cougars.
Copper Basin started to taste victory on their 1 drive of the 3rd quarter. Grabowski, this time from 3 yards out would find paydirt making it 22-10 with 8:02 left in the 3rd.
Polk County was unable to get anything going on the next possession. Cade Foster would recover a fumble for the cougars. The very next drive Polk County would force a fumble of their own and recover it.
Rain started to pickup as we entered the 4th quarter. Grabowski would run for a 21 yard touchdown on the 1st play of the 4th quarter. Making it 29-10 after the extra point.
Polk County would not go away quietly as they would find the end zone from 5 yards out. 2 point conversion was good making it 29-18.
Copper Basin would recover the onside kick and would run out the clock. Final score Copper Basin 29 Polk County 18
Copper Basin is now 1-0 and will host Georgia Force Christian in their home opener. Kickoff will be Friday Night August 28th 7:30pm at Copper Basin High School