The Cedarville Pirates have historically had a rough time with their over the mountain 2A rivals. The Pirates have only successfully taken the coveted Treasure Chest from the Dragons Den of Mountainburg three times in the past ten years. With lightning, thunder, and Dragons fire in their face, the Pirates were facing insurmountable odds last Friday night. But the tides are beginning to shift in Cedarville’s favor as the program inches closer to becoming a titan of the gridiron seas. The Pirates and Dragons game ended late in the third quarter after being called due to lightning. Even with an early closing time, Cedarville was still able to secure the victory chest with a final score of 34-6.
Offensively, Darryl Kattich stayed cool as a cucumber while overpowering and outplaying the Dragons. He finished with 21 carries for 163-yards and 3 TDs and 1 reception for an 18-yard TD. Hayden Partain torpedoed through the Mountainburg defense to secure 12 carries for 58-yards and one TD. Cody Dickens left his mark on the Dragons field of dreams with 4/9 passes for 68-yards and one TD. And Lane Hightower electrified with an out of this world interception. During the course of this game, Cedarville held Mountainburg to 97-yards of total offense.
Defensively for the Pirates, Hayden Partain and Hayden Morton muscled their way pass every Dragon to gain 10 tackles each. Max McGill took the plunge to gain 9 tackles. Darryl Kattich and Landon Hopewell each produced 7 forced fumbles. And Lane Hightower got his hands on one interception and 6 tackles.
With the Pirates sitting atop their treasure plundering of the Dragons for the second straight year, their sails are full of momentum. After back to back dominating performances and only one non-conference game left, Cedarville continues to be the team to beat in the 3A-1. Cedarville will welcome the Green Forest Tigers on Friday, September 11, and will be waxing their Pirate ship plank in preparation for yet another victim to add in their sea of success.
Photos courtesy of Malinda Mizell and Rhonda Ridgway
