Collierville vs Kirby 2002

Collierville was victorious in this strategic conference game at cross town rival Kirby. The Dragon's knew going into the game that the revamped Kirby program with a new coaching staff, and a talent loaded, no huddle West Coast offense would be a lot to handle.

The game featured an incredible one thousand and thirty one yards, 47 first downs and 14 touchdowns all from the offensive units. The pleasant surprise to the coaching staff was the outstanding efficiency of the Dragon offense that seemingly scored at will, and an offensive line that made big holes for the Dragon runners all night long.

In a game full of highlights it came down to two features, that Collierville had the ball last and that Collierville converted extra points. The first drive took about a dozen running plays with James Smith getting a one yard touchdown. The Cougars were not able to score on there first possession an apparent touchdown was called back as it was ruled that the Kirby runner had steeped out of bounds.

It took the Dragons just three plays to score the next touchdown. The score featured a slick 41 yard catch and run by Josh Smith to Rogers Thweatt which put the Dragons up by two scores. Kirby quickly answered with a touchdown and a two point conversion that tightened the score to 13 - 8.

The Dragons misfired on the next possession. A fumble deep in Kirby territory stopped the offensive machine on the Kirby 15 yard line. A spectacular 85 yard run by Cougar Brian Cooper on the very next play put the Cougars ahead for their only lead of the night and silenced a fairly loud group of Dragon supporters.

Brian Nevill got the lead back for Collierville on a 2 yard run capping another long drive. Brian Hall added a badly needed two point conversion. Kirby was able to drive and score again to draw within one point just before halftime.
With just one minute and one second on the clock the Dragons answered with another score. A solid pass completion and long run by Hall was brought back on a penalty.

Not to be stopped, a determined Josh Smith hit a streaking Jordon Pedron for a 50 yard gain. On the very last play of the half Josh Smith hit a wide open Brian Hall for a 5 yard touchdown. Brian Nevin made the conversion run, which put the Dragons into halftime with a 29 to 20 lead.

The second half action continued where the first half ended. It took Kirby just three plays to narrow the score on a long pass play. Not to be outdone, Collierville answered with a big 76 yard run by James Smith who followed a wave of blockers around the right side until be blew down the sideline, racing past all defenders.

Collierville was able to stop Kirby on the next possession with key sacks to the elusive Kirby quarterback. On fourth down at Kirby's 31 yard line, Kirby's punt was shanked just to the line of scrimmage, where an alert Kent DeVinney, caught the punt and returned it to the Kirby 3 yard line. James Smith quickly scored on a two yard run. The Dragon's had a two or three score lead of 43 to 28.

Kirby's offense was not to be denied, on a sustained drive they scored on a short pass. The next Dragon possession ended when Collierville could make a fourth down play work. Kirby took over on downs and made the Dragon's pay for the misfire with another long drive and score closing the gap 43 to 40.

The Dragon's offense never gave up, a 30 yard touchdown run by Brian Hall, again gave them some room. This score came with the assistance of a defensive holding call against Kirby that kept the Dragon drive alive. On Kirby's possession they drove down the field and punched the ball through to make the score 50 to 46.

A determined Dragon offensive line took control with just over 3 minutes to play. Solid running by Featherstone and Brashear following the line surge closed the match as Kirby was not able to get the ball back, before the clock ran out. The offensive line has been lead by Brad Pace at center, Robbie Seahorn, Jake Storz, and Josh Peeples at guard, Scott Eller and Greg Carter at tackle, Kent DeVinney and Todd Madison at tight end.

A very tired Collierville team celebrated the 50 to 46 win. The Dragon's had several starting players sidelined with injuries this week, but found excellent starter replacements.

Sophomore place kicker Brett Caldwell, made 4 extra points which turned out to be the final margin of the game, Stanley Wilson handled the kick off responsibilities, senior Greg Carter played offensive and defensive tackle, junior Taylor Brashear played strong safety.

The entire Dragon bench made a huge contribution this week in a substitution role as many of the starters badly needed rest in the very long game played in very warm conditions.

The Dragon backfield shared the offensive workload as Brashear had 96 yards, James Smith had 86 yards, Brian Hall had 63 yards and junior Clarence Featherstone added 50 yards. Josh Smith added another 171 yards passing to add to his running contribution.

#67 Sr. OL Josh Peeples pulls down the line of scrimmage to lead the ball carrier

#6 So. RB Jordan Pedron hauls in a Smith pass for 45 yds.

#11 Sr. QB Josh Smith throws a 45 yd. strike to #6 So. WR Jordan Pedron. Smith went 8 of 14 for 171 yds. and 2 TD's

#21 Sr. RB James Smith praises The Almighty after scoring. Smith had 8 carries for 86 yds. 3 of them went for TD's

#21 RB James Smith goes 76 yds. for a TD

#56 Jr. DE Stanley Wilson knocks the ball carrier out of bounds. Assisting is #7 DB Jaret Yendrek

2001 Kirby Game