Paladins Dominate Tigers in Every Aspect to Get Win
“Pure hate is the best motivator” - John Fogle
It was a game of good ole’ fashioned hate at the Pinecrest Paladins defeated the Kings Ridge Tigers, 38-6. Kings Ridge is to Pinecrest as Florida is to Georgia, as Alabama is to Auburn, and as Michigan is to Ohio State (for all you Big Ten people). The matchup wasn’t the best on paper, though: 7-1 team vs 1-7 team, but the Paladins wanted to beat Kings Ridge more than anything. That’s what makes it great - the clean hatred adds volume to a game that would probably be forgotten after the final whistle, and leaves permanent memories in the minds of players and fans on both sides. Even though it seemed like a meaningless, late-season game to many, it was very meaningful to the two schools.
The major player in this game was the entire Paladins defense. They allowed just one touchdown and forced four turnovers. Will Patota led the way with 5 tackles. As the saying goes - defense wins championships, and this was a defensive performance worthy of recognition. On the offensive side, it was a momentous occasion for Ryan McCarthy. Along with his four touchdowns, he became the Paladins’ record holder for single season rushing yards - he now has 1065. Pinecrest shut down Kings Ridge in all aspects of the game, and overall, it was a solid win. The Paladins won their first varsity football game ever at Kings Ridge, improved to 8-1, and they’re still undefeated on the road.
1st Quarter:
Kings Ridge received the ball to start the game in their own territory. The Tigers drove down the field, but Corey Downes made a big interception to give the Paladins the ball at their own 10-yard line.
The high-powered triple option offense drove down the field with ease, and Ryan McCarthy sprinted into the endzone for a 42-yard touchdown. This put the Paladins up 7-0 with 4:45 left in the game.
Kings Ridge got the ball back and the Paladins defense stood like a wall. Stone Brown came up big this time with a sack to force fourth down. The Tigers went for it and failed, giving the ball to the Paladins. Unfortunately, Kings Ridge would get the ball right back after a Pinecrest turnover to round out the first quarter.
2nd Quarter:
Kings Ridge started the second quarter with the ball, and they drove down the field once again. This time, it was Carson Holler’s turn to get an interception. He picked it off and ran it back 90 yards to the Tigers’ 10 yard line.
McCarthy ran it 8 yards into the endzone for his second touchdown of the night. After a successful extra-point by Birozes, the Paladins led 14-0 with 5:56 left in the half.
Kings Ridge started their next drive in their own territory. Now, Wills Brown couldn’t let Corey and Carson have all the fun, so he forced and recovered a fumble to give the Paladins the ball at the Kings Ridge 20-yard line.
McCarthy then continued his impressive night with a 21-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the first half. This put the Paladins up 21-0 with 4:57 left in the half.
Kings Ridge scored on their next drive, but they missed the extra-point, which was pretty much a perfect summary of how their first half was going. 21-6, Paladins leading.
PA started their next drive deep in their own territory with just one minute left before halftime. Before the Tigers could even figure out how to stop the Paladins’ rushing scheme, PA unleashed their passing game, as McCarthy connected with Mitchell Ojeda for a huge 65-yard pass play. Despite the favorable field position, the Paladins ended up settling for a field goal to end the half, now leading 24-6.
3rd Quarter:
The Paladins received the ball to start the second half, and Ryan McCarthy immediately exploded on an 81-yard run into the endzone, his fourth touchdown of the night. Ryan literally stiff-armed the defender for 30 yards on that run. The score was now 31-6, PA leading.
Kings Ridge got the ball but their offensive woes continued to haunt them. Addison Ehle came up with a big sack on this drive, and the Tigers turned it over on downs.
PA got the ball back late in the third quarter, and McCarthy hit Jack Binkley for a 44-yard touchdown pass. This put the Paladins up, 38-6.
4th Quarter:
Kings Ridge got the ball and routinely lost it, as PA recovered a fumble at their own 10-yard line. The Tigers turned the ball over three times inside of the red zone. This horrible field position was actually favorable for the Paladins, as it gave them enough field to run down the remaining 6:30 in the game. With some help from the mercy rule, Pinecrest ran down the clock and got the win.
Final: 38-6, Paladins on top.
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The Paladins walked onto the field looking like they knew they were going to win, and that confidence was the biggest part of this game. When a team has that much confidence, without any arrogance, it adds an entirely new dimension to their capabilities. The Paladin players, coaches, and fans know that, some way or another, they will find a way to win no matter what. Tom Hoover, who has been around the program for ten years, says: “I’ve never seen a Pinecrest team with this kind of confidence.” This is the type of positive morale that can carry a team deep into the playoffs.
Now there’s only one thing left to do - somehow make a connection between this game and Halloween. Let’s just say that the Kings Ridge players won’t have to go out and spend a bunch of money on a horror movie, because they just lived through one on Friday night.
The Paladins return home this Friday, November 6, to host the Mount Paran Eagles (again). This time it's for the Region Championship and an automatic berth to the State Playoffs. Kickoff is at 7:30pm.
Go Paladins! #WeAre...
