MATT TYSON

Staff Writer

The Coffee County Middle School football team returned home for its homecoming game and eighth grade night at Carden-Jarrell Field Tuesday.

Taking on EO Coffman, the Red Raiders fell behind early on the way to a 33-14 loss.

EO Coffman scored first on a 41-yard rushing touchdown with 3:57 left in the first quarter. The Panthers followed this up with the extra point attempt to take a 7-0 lead.

After coming up short on its next drive, Coffee County fell further behind on EO Coffman’s following possession when the Panthers ran the ball into the end zone from 67 yards out. The ensuing PAT sailed through the uprights to put the Red Raiders in a 14-0 hole with 2:01 remaining in the quarter.

After EO Coffman made it a 21-0 game with 2:42 left until halftime, Coffee County was able to answer on the following kick return when Cylis Whittley ran it all the way back for a touchdown. The Red Raiders followed this up with the extra point to cut the Panther lead to 21-7.

The Panthers responded with another touchdown on their next possession, capping off the drive with a 33-yard run to the end zone with 49 seconds left in the half. The PAT was unsuccessful this time around, leaving EO Coffman’s lead at 27-7 going into the break.

After neither team scored in the third quarter, EO Coffman pushed further ahead on a 27-yard touchdown run with 1:55 left to play. The Panthers were once again unable to add the extra point, leaving their lead at 33-7.

Coffee County cut back into the deficit shortly after when Braylon Jernigan connected with Ben Cochran for a 56-yard touchdown pass with 1:42 remaining. The Red Raider PAT attempt went through the goalposts, ultimately bringing the game to what would be its final score.

Coffee County (1-4) remains at home to host Warren County for what will be its final home game of the season next Tuesday.