By Michael Lindsay
The Macon County Tigers opened their season in the win column Saturday evening as they defeated Westmoreland in the UCR Game of the Week, 31-7.
“Any time you can put 31 up against a really good defense like Westmoreland has, then it’s been a successful night,” said Macon County head coach Kyle Shoulders. “But we have some things that we didn’t achieve that we wanted to in that first half.”
The Tigers overcame three first-half turnovers en route to the 24-point victory.
“We have to clean up some things to be,” said Shoulders. “I have no doubt that our guys will continue to work towards those goals.”
Running back Zach Borders rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns along with 2 receptions for 61 yards in the win.
“Teams are going to sell out to try and stop Gabe Borders,” said Kyle Shoulders. “Tonight, we kept giving it to Zach and he did what he does. They’re both special players; people are going to have to focus on both of those guys.”
Macon County opened the contest with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Luke Gammon to Kelan Hire to take a 7-0 lead with 8:00 remaining in the first quarter.
The Tiger defense forced a punt on the ensuing possession, but it was Westmoreland’s defense that found the end zone as the Eagles picked off a Macon County pass and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 with 3:47 left in the first quarter.
Macon County answered less than a minute later as Zach Borders broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run with 2:51 left in the opening quarter to give the Tigers a 14-7 lead entering the second period.
Two Tiger turnovers in the second quarter kept Macon County out of the end zone, but the Tiger defense shut out Westmoreland offense for the frame. Macon County’s lone points in the second period came via the leg of kicker Eli Gammon, who split the uprights from 35 yards out to give the Tigers a 17-7 halftime lead.
Following a scoreless third quarter, Macon County closed the fourth quarter out strong with a pair of touchdowns as Zach Borders rushed in a 66-yard touchdown followed by a 5-yard scoring run from Brennan Flowers to give the Tigers a 31-7 lead with 1:31 remaining.
Macon County’s defense shut out Westmoreland for the entire contest as they won by a 31-7 final score.
The 1-0 Tigers are scheduled to hit the road in week 2 at Trousdale County while Westmoreland is set to host Clay County (1-0).
