After good showings at summer team camps, preseason workouts, and practices leading up to the 2011 football season opener, the MUS varsity football team was very excited to start the campaign as they were set to take on the Ensworth Tigers. Much hype led up to this matchup between the last two Division II-AA state champions as the teams would meet for the first time.
Unfortunately, that excitement was short-lived as Ensworth scored three first-quarter touchdowns and forced six turnovers overall to cruise to a 28-14 win, breaking the Owls’ streak of seven consecutive season-opening victories.
The Tigers (1-0) took advantage of the Owls’ early lack of execution as they forced an initial punt and started at their own 32-yard line. Standout RB Corn Elder showed why he is one of the best backs in the state as he broke off a 30-yard run on his first carry, and just three plays later, he finished the drive as he broke several tackles to score from 19 yards out. Thomas Doochin’s extra-point gave Ensworth the 7-0 advantage just 2:38 into the season.
The visitors added two more scores in the next four minutes as they took advantage of two MUS turnovers deep in Owl territory.
First, following a Toby Baker interception by Elder and 57-yard return, Tiger QB Andrew Bowers connected with Justin Lloyd for a 4-yard touchdown pass to double the Ensworth lead.
Then, just three plays later, a Baker fumble recovered by Tiger Cody Pack at the MUS 10-yard line allowed the visitors to take a 21-0 lead. Elder scored on the next play as he cut back and raced into the endzone for the touchdown. After the Doochin PAT, the visitors had stunned the home crowd with the 21-point lead with 5:29 left in the first quarter.
After the initial surge, the MUS defense began slowing down the Tigers and giving the offense opportunities, yet the offense could not consistently take advantage. Their one promising drive of the half, in which they used ten plays to move 49 yards, ended in an interception and squelched the chance.
Ensworth put the game away on the opening kickoff of the second half as Elder took the kick and raced 96 yards for the touchdown. With the extra-point, the Tigers had a 28-0 lead.
The Owls finally got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter. Following two additional turnovers on their first two second-half drives, junior QB Jordan Rodgers came in on the third possession and sparked a touchdown. Fernando Van Hook’s 8-yard scoring run culminated the 12-play, 65-yard drive that amassed 3:28. Rodgers completed three of four passes on the possession to give MUS momentum.
The hosts would score one final touchdown late in the game as Van Hook scored from 3-yards out to complete the 7-play, 52-yard drive. Gary Wunderlich’s PAT ended the scoring at 28-14.
Despite giving up 28 points, the MUS defense played well and allowed really only one long scoring drive. They gave up only 247 total yards and 10 first downs. Unfortunately, six turnovers was more than enough to end the Owls’ hopes.
Next week, MUS (0-1) will take on Kingsbury, a 42-6 loser at MBA last week. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm at Stokes Stadium.
