This week should not be remembered as much by the loss
to Germantown, but remembered for the worst attack on United
States soil in history. On September 11, 2001, terrorist killed
an untold number of Americans. The NFL, professional baseball,
and the college games were cancelled but the high school's
played.
The CHS Dragons traveled for the 1st time this year to
neighbor and archrival Germantown Red Devils. Collierville
came in ranked #2 in The Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen.
Germantown was not expected to be strong this year with
only 12 seniors. The Dragons found out differently.
The Commercial Appeal had an earlier article comparing
the teams as similar in style and coaching. The most important
statistic went to the Red Devils with a 21 to 7 victory.
Collierville received the opening kickoff and looked like
they would be able to move the ball as easily as in the 3
previous wins. Sr. RB Steven Hall started the game with a
26 yd. kickoff return. On the 1st play from scrimmage, Hall
went 25 yards for a big gain. The drive stalled inside the
25 yd. line. Germantown's 1st offensive possession ended 4
and out when Jr. MLB Jake Storz stopped the Red Devil QB running
an option play. Storz lead the team with 12 unassisted tackles.
After the 1st offensive series, Collierville was unable to
get into a consistent rhythm the rest of the night.
In the 1st half, the Red Devil defense maintained field
position and kept Collierville pinned inside their 20 yard
line. The Dragons were unable to get any more 1st downs and
relied on a running game to try and dig themselves out of
poor field position. Penalties and the Germantown defensive
line kept Collierville from making any plays offensively.
Late in the 2nd quarter, the Red Devils blocked Sr. DE
Brent Hogue's punt from the back of the end zone. It resulted
in a safety. Germantown went into the half with a 2-0 lead.
The only other bright spot for the Dragons was an interception
by Sr. CB Brandon Kennon on the 6 yd. line saving a Germantown
score.
Lead by Sr. OLB Carson Hunter, the fired up defense started
the 3rd quarter by stopping the Red Devils cold on their 1st
drive. Collierville started offensively with good field position
on the Germantown 47 yd. line. The Dragons were unable to
get a 1st down and gave the ball back after attempting a fake
punt. Germantown then drove 53 yards on 6 plays and scored.
Running a wishbone, the score came from 11 yds. out on a counter
play going over right tackle. Missing the extra point Germantown
lead 8-0.
Starting on the 35 yd. line, Sr. QB Jon Paul Brashear
completed a pass to Jr. RB Undray Wright for a 22 yd. gain.
Two plays later, a Germantown DB caught an interception and
went 69 yds. for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked
by Kennon and the Red Devils lead 14-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, Wright took the ball 47 yards
for an excellent return. Starting at the Germantown 47, Collierville
drove in 6 plays for their only touchdown of the night. Brashear
had a big gain on an option play and Hall had 2 long gains
up the middle. Hall scored from 2 yards out. The Dragons were
back in the game trailing 14-7.
Germantown took control on the next offensive series.
On the 1st play, a Red Devil TB went off left tackle for a
45 yd. gain. From the 15 yd. line Germantown tried to punch
it in. On 4th and goal from the one, the Red Devils ran a
play action pass and hit the tight end in the back of the
end zone for the score.
In the 4th quarter, the Dragons had to play catch up.
It looked like they were going to drive the ball 80 yds. for
a score. Hall had a 22 yd. gain and Brashear connected with
Sr. WR Andy Key 2 times getting to the 13 yd. line. On the
next play, RB Kennon went around right end for what appeared
to be a touchdown. The play was called back for holding by
the offensive line. On the next play, Collierville was called
for illegal procedure. From the 35 yd. line, Brashear attempted
a pass into the end zone which was intercepted. This ended
any hopes of a Dragon comeback. Germantown went on to win
21-7.
Statistically, both teams were almost identical. Collierville
had 228 yds. total offense to Germantown's 224. Key penalties
and a lack of offensive consistency kept the Dragons in a
hole the entire game.
This Friday, the Dragons are on the road again. Millington
will be awaiting their arrival. Don't look for the same Collierville
team. They should have learned to never overlook any team.
Don't Forget This!
