A-J defense stifles Panthers

The Anna-Jonesboro High School football team’s defensive unit was on a mission last Friday night.

The stingy Wildcat defense held host Pinckneyville to less that 100 yards of total offense in a 49-7 win in the opening game of the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference Mississippi Division race.

“They were held to one first down in the first half,” A-J head football coach Brett Detering said. “They got a little yardage after we were ahead 42-0.”

After the Wildcats pulled ahead 42-0 in the waning minutes of the third quarter, Detering substituted freely the rest of the game.

“It will certainly get those kids experience for later on,” Detering said.

When a team pulls ahead by 40 points, the game clock continues running except on timeouts and after a touchdown is scored.

The Wildcats defense held the Panthers on their opening drive and A-J’s offense took over.

After starting quarterback J.R. Woodward left the opening drive limping, backup quarterback Aaron Smithey took over and capped a 12-play drive with a 16-yard TD run.

An offsides penalty against Pinckneyville on the extra point kick set up a run with Gabe Pecord for the conversion points.

The Wildcats were ahead 8-0 with 4:37 remaining in the first quarter.

A-J’s Jordan Adams set up the next Wildcat score on a nifty punt return.

After a 12-play drive, Woodward, who had reentered the game, scored on a 4-yard run.

Travis Smith kicked the extra point and the Wildcats led 15-0 with 9:04 remaining in the first half.

Taylor Fitzgerald set up the next A-J score when he tackled quarterback Byant Shute, causing a fumble deep in Panther territory.

One play later, Woodward scored on a 6-yard plunge. Smith’s kick gave A-J a 22-0 advantage with 7 :53 remaining in the half.

Following a Brandon Cerney punt return, the Wildcats offense began clicking again.

Fullback Jordan Chamness scored on a 2-yard run at the end of a four-play drive. Smith missed his first extra point kick of the season after an off sides penalty against the Wildcats moved them back five yards.

A-J led 28-0 with 4:59 remaining in the half.

The Wildcats’ Gabe Pecord scored on a 11-yard pass from Woodward after a lengthy drive in the third quarter. Smith’s kick gave A-J a 35-0 lead with 3:19 remaining in the third period.

Chamness initiated the running clock on a 1-yard TD run with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter. Smith’s kick put the Wildcats on top 42-0 with 1:17 remaining in the third period.

Shute scored the Panthers’ lone TD on a 5-yard run with 8:14 remaining in the final quarter to pull Pinckneyville to 42-7.

In the final period, A-J third string quarterback Brady Wright got to see some action.

Adams closed out the scoring with 2:45 remaining in the game when he recovered a fumble in the endzone.

Chamness led the way for the Wildcats’ 327-yard rushing attack with 114 yards in 7 carries. Woodward had 119 yards in 12 carries and was 2 of 3 passing for 28 yards.

“I thought our quarterback and fullback really complemented each other,” Detering said. “Jordan Chamness had an outstanding game again. And, our line really blocked well for them.”

The Panthers were limited to 23 yards rushing in the first half and finished with 97 yards rushing and 11 yards passing.

“I was very pleased both offensively and defensively,” Detering said. “And, I thought all three of our quarterbacks ran the option very well.”