Bears travel to Franklin after Raiders spoil homecoming

By Editor | September 26, 2024 |

By Greg Moore

Banner Sports Editor

Although the Butler County Bears were mirror image, record wise, with the Hart County Raiders, some sports enthusiasts wanted to believe that the 0-4 Bears could challenge the visitors following the homecoming festivities this past Friday evening. However, after Maggie Childers and Lawson Rice were selected queen and king, the Raiders romped up and down the field most of the game.

Running the football is a strength for the Raiders. Although they can throw the ball to keep defenses honest, their bread and butter is to tote the rock, averaging nearly 400 yards a game on the ground. Coming off the Grayson County heartbreaking loss where they gave up four touchdowns on the ground and over 400 yards rushing, the Bears knew they were going to have to dig their paws in and make an attempt to stop that Raiders attack; unfortunately, Hart County proved too much, winning 50-15 over the boys in blue.

Credit to the defense of Hart County in their efforts to limit dual-threat quarterback for the Bears, Garrett Phelps. Phelps, who loves to take off on roll outs when unable to find receivers down field, was not given creases outside to make that happen. And, to complicate that furthermore, his targets were limited on finding holes to get open. Phelps, who came in averaging around 115 rushing and nearly 200 passing, along with all the Bears, continued to fight the entire game.

Garrett Phelps making Raiders miss and getting up field

On the Raiders first possession, the Bears recovered a fumble by Hart. But, they quickly gave it back on an interception by Phelps, only his third of the season up to that point. More tough luck continued for Phelps on the night with three more interceptions; however, he did match his season average on touchdown passes in a game with two tosses. Midway through the second quarter, he found Cainan Vincent and the other was to Kellon Meredith, who has found the end zone in the last four games, late in the game.

Cainan Vincent getting the Bears on the scoreboard with this touchdown haul

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears have to get better at tackling as a team. Contrary, Kevin Robins continues to be a beast, leading them with an average of over 15 a game. Tucker DeJarnette, who does whatever asked, boasts nearly 12 a contest while Lonnie Phelps, who battles Robins for the lead in tackles for a loss, registers around nine tackles a night. Meredith is providing great support from the safety position, also.

Butler County (0-5 overall and 0-1 district) will travel to Franklin-Simpson to take on the 3-2 Wildcats, who lost their only district game to Adair County, 42-7. They are coming off a 35-20 win over Russellville, who sits at 1-4, record wise. The Wildcats like to run the football; so, we will see how the Bears make adjustments to stop the run this Friday night.

Official stats against Grayson County on September 13^th, 2024 for the Bears

Garrett Phelps 13/26 passing with 2 TD, 1 INT and 12 rushing attempts for 113 yards

Kellon Meredith with three runs for 45 yards and touchdown while snagging four passes for 90 and TD

Lonnie Phelps scored a touchdown on eight carries for 32 yards

Clayton Deweese had five receptions for 90 yards, too

Defensive stats from the Grayson game

Kevin Robins 15 tackles, seven solo, 1.5 TFL

Meredith 12 tackles, four them solo

Lonnie Phelps nine tackles, six solo, 3.5 TFL

DeJarnette seven and two being solo tackles, 1.5 TFL

All with five tackles, Clay Steff, Garrett Phelps, and Jett Johnson

Kaiden Richardson had four tackles and one stripped pass