BRAEDEN VANDYGRIFF

For The Manchester Times

The Coffee County Red Raiders welcomed the Smyrna Bulldogs to Manchester on a crisp fall night Friday as the Red Raiders looked to rebound with a victory.

A close game through the first three quarters, Coffee County ultimately fell behind following a strong fourth quarter from the Bulldogs on the way to a 21-7 loss.

Smyrna opened the scoring in the first quarter with a touchdown and elected to attempt a two-point conversion. The Red Raiders’ defense held strong, keeping the conversion from being successful and limiting the Bulldogs to six points.

Coffee County answered with a scoring drive of its own. The Red Raiders moved the ball down the field before Kaysen Lowery found the end zone on a rushing touchdown. The extra point was good, giving Coffee County a 7–6 lead.

The Red Raiders’ defense continued to keep Smyrna within reach as the two teams battled through the remainder of the first half. Neither team was able to add to the scoreboard before halftime sending Coffee County into the locker room with a narrow 7–6 advantage.

The game changed coming out of halftime. Smyrna came out aggressively on the ground using its running game to move the football and consistently pick up first downs. The Bulldogs took advantage of missed tackles and continued to put pressure on the Coffee County defense.

Smyrna eventually found the end zone twice in the second half. The Bulldogs also successfully converted a two-point attempt and added an extra point, giving them 21 points and putting Coffee County behind 21–7.

Despite the Red Raiders’ efforts to respond, Coffee County was unable to put together another scoring drive before the final whistle.

Smyrna’s second half rushing attack and the ability to capitalize on missed tackles proved to be the difference as the Bulldogs left Manchester with the victory.

For Coffee County, the loss came after a strong first-half defensive effort in which the Red Raiders held Smyrna to just six points.

The Red Raiders will look to fix the defensive issues that surfaced in the second half particularly against the run, as they continue through the season.

Coffee County (2-4) resumes Class 6A Region 6 play on the road against Brentwood Friday. The Bruins come into the game at 5-1 overall and 2-0 within the region following a week 3 win over Summit and a week 5 victory over Shelbyville Central.

Kickoff of Friday’s game is set for 7 p.m.