By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
In a defensive struggle on Oct. 1 at W.S. Neal Stadium, Monroe County cashed in a Neal Middle School turnover for an early 6-0 lead and went on to defeat the Eagles, 12-0.
Neither team's offensive unit was able to consistently move the chains against the aggressive play of the opposing defenses. Monroe County's slim halftime lead remained intact until late in the fourth quarter when the Tigers added a late score to seal the win.
The Eagles mounted a couple of drives in the contest that showed promise. Twice NMS moved the football inside the Monroe 30-yard line, but on each occasion was forced to surrender the ball on downs after being stopped by the Tigers' defense.
Less than four minutes into the game, the Eagles were in possession of the ball on their own 30-yard line when Monroe County intercepted a pass and returned it all the way for a touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Tigers had gained the upper hand with a 6-0 lead.
Monroe County's second touchdown came with just over three minutes remaining in the game. Starting from midfield, the Tigers steadily moved down the field as the seconds ticked off the clock. The touchdown came on a 12-yard run and ended the scoring at 12-0 after the Eagles stopped the two-point conversion try.
After the loss and with two games remaining on their schedule, the Eagles' season record stands at 1-3.