After a week where it appeared almost everything went wrong for the McIntosh Chiefs, everything went right. From big third down conversions, good spots and penalties that killed Panther drives, McIntosh appeared to be in control from the start and they capitalized. The Chiefs beat Starr’s Mill 30-13, producing their first ever win against the Panthers and improving to 5-2 on the season.
“It was a big night for this team and this community, but hopefully not the best thing to happen to this team this year,” said McIntosh head coach Lee Belknap. “We’ll go back to work on Monday.”
The Chiefs struck first with a 24 yard field goal from Mike Licitra, his first of three field goals on the night. In the second quarter, Starr’s Mill’s Hayden Beyer intercepted a McIntosh pass and the Panthers capitalized two minutes later with a quarterback keeper from Kyle Moseley for a touchdown. Jake Carney blocked the extra point to keep Starr’s Mill’s lead to 6-3. McIntosh responded with two touchdown passes from Andrew Johnson to Brian White (23 yards, 26 yards).
“Brian White is what high school football is all about,” said Belknap after the game. “He’s 5 foot something and weighs 100 and something but has a huge heart and great heart speed.” White also made several huge drive sustaining catches.
In the third quarter, Alex Horlak recovered a fumble for the Chiefs and Johnson scored on a 51 yard quarterback keeper on 4th and inches. Moseley connected with Beyer on a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter but McIntosh kept the edge and made a huge defensive stand in their own red zone.
“The defense stepped up tonight,” Belknap said. “The kids all played with great effort.”
McIntosh hosts Creekside next Friday. The Seminoles lost to Whitewater 17-7 tonight. Christian Wafford hooked up with Jake Carlson on a touchdown pass in the second half to seal the win. Austin Barnard added a field goal. Whitewater (7-1) is off next week. They will play at Starr’s Mill on Nov. 2 to close out the regular season. Starr’s Mll (2-5) hosts Northgate next Friday.
Fayette County (2-5) picked up their second win in a row, beating LaGrange 38-35 in overtime. The Tigers will host Troup (2-5) next Friday. Sandy Creek (7-0) played Alexander on the road and won 42-6. The Patriots play at LaGrange next week.
In Class A action, Our Lady of Mercy lost to Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 49-0. Landmark Christian (6-2) beat Pace Academy 38-14. Mercy (4-4) will play at Mt Vernon Presbyterian next Saturday. The War Eagles are off next week and will host Holy Innocents on Nov. 2.
