Sports
Yates Leads Vinton County Over Alexander
By: Tyler Corbit
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An assault of the scoreboard would be necessary for Alexander to get the win against Vinton County. The Spartans came up short and Vinton County would go on to win 37-20, thanks to big plays by Naylan Yates.
Mistakes would set the tone for Alexander all night, beginning on its first drive, when two separate touchdowns were called back for holding deep in the red zone, leading to a turnover on their first possession. Vinton County would then capitalize on the ensuing possession as Naylan Yates would run in a touchdown from 17 yards to open up the scoring and make it 6-0 early.
The first half would be back-and-forth as Chace Harris would score from seven yards out on the next Alexander drive, to make the score 6-6. Alexander looked to pulling away after Harris scored as its following kickoff would be untouched by any Viking, allowing the Spartans great field possession. The Spartan possession would lead to six more points as A.J. Marks would break through multiple tacklers on his way to a 15-yard touchdown, putting Alexander ahead 12-6. The following kickoff would then be fumbled by the Viking on their own 44 yard line. This would lead to another Chace Harris touchdown, this time from one yard out, as the Spartans would go ahead 20-6. That would be their last time in the end zone as Vinton County, led by Naylan Yates and Caleb Montgomery, would proceed to dominate the rest of the game.
The first play after Harris’ score, Yates would find Caleb Montgomery to make the score 20-14. Following an Alexander punt, Yates made the play that would shift moment for the rest of the night. On 4th and 4 with under 30 seconds left in the half, Yates would scramble and weave his way 73 yards to the end zone with only one second left on the clock. Teams would enter the half tied at 20.
Vinton County received the kick to start the second half and made sure not to waste it. The drive ended with Nevin Yates scoring from 5 yards out, making the score 28-20. Later in the quarter, Yates scored another explosive touchdown, this time a 70-yard run to make the score 34-20. Multiple defensive stops spearheaded by Caleb Montgomery, including an interception as well as big tackles, would keep Alexander off the scoreboard for the entirety of the second half. A late Eli Downs field goal would make the score 37-20, which is how the game would end.
Yates was the key for Vinton County, as he finished the game with 272 yards on the ground, 24 yards short of the school record of 296. Caleb Montgomery was also huge Vinton County, finishing the game with 9 tackles and 1 interception on defense, and four receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown on offense. Vinton County was unable to be stopped on the ground as a team, totaling 383 yards, to go with 90 yards through the air.
The win improves Vinton County to 2-4 and 2-1 in league play. Next week they play Federal Hocking, looking to improve to 3-4. The loss drops the Alexander Spartans to 1-5, and 0-3 in league play. Next week they play River Valley, looking for their first win in conference play.