The Cookeville Cavaliers scored a touchdown with 1:56 remaining in the game to escape Homecoming with a 20-19 win over the Coffee County Red Raiders on Friday night.
Senior quarterback Stockton Owen took in a five yard touchdown rush and then intercepted a CCHS pass in the final moments to secure the win.
The Cavs, who entered the game looking for their first Region 3/6A win of the season, grabbed the lead late in the first quarter with a 49-yard touchdown rush by Owen.
The Red Raiders (2-3, 1-2) responded in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown rush and an 82-yard fumble return to take ta 13-7 lead into halftime.
The teams battled through a scoreless third quarter before Owen took in a four-yard touchdown rush to give the Cavs a 14-13 lead. The Red Raiders responded with a touchdown to regain the lead, but Owen closed the game out with his touchdown and interception to secure the win.
The Cavs outgained the Red Raiders 387 yards to 162 offensively.
Owen rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. Evan Whited added 57 rushing yards on five carries. Logan Sides tallied 43 yards on 12 carries.
Cookeville (4-2, 1-2) will now turn their attention towards a showdown with Warren County (6-0, 3-0) in a game with large playoff implications. It is the High School Football Game of the Week and will be broadcast live on the UCR Facebook page and on Newstalk 107.7 and 1400 the HUB with pregame coverage set to begin at 6:45.
Photos by David Little:
