The Leaf Chronicle
Fort Campbell | September 28, 2012
The Fort Campbell Falcons beat Paducah Tilghman 43-14 Friday night at Fryar Stadium, clinching a playoff berth with three weeks still remaining in the season. And in a game that could decide the District 1 championship, the Falcons improved to 5-2 and 2-0 in the district, while Tilghman fell to 4-3 and 1-1.
The Falcons came out hot in the first quarter, scoring touchdowns on all four possessions, and took a surprising 33-0 lead at halftime.
"I'm really proud of this group," said Falcon coach Shawn Berner, who is 6-2 against Tilghman in his 11 years as head coach. "They finally are playing to their potential. Yes, we are a young team, but it's time not to be young anymore.
Our offensive line played lights out." Fort Campbell starting quarterback Jaylen Williams had two touchdowns and ran for 71 yards. Falcons running back Triston Luke had two touchdowns and rushed for 59 yards. Junior Wide Receiver Isaiah Washington scored a touchdown at 3:07 of the first quarter on a running play.
Fort Campbell's defense was strong from the beginning and prevented the Tornadoes from scoring in the first half. Senior Linebacker Drayton Simmons had two sacks in a row on Tilghman quarterback Jordan Tyler at the end of the first quarter. The Falcon defense also had four interceptions for the game. There were frequent false start penalties in the first half, but not enough to effect the scoreboard. Tilghman had five turnovers, while the Falcons had one.
Tyler scored a Tornado touchdown at the end of the third quarter. Fort Campbell's David Sams kicked a 33-yard field goal with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter after recovering a fumble. Sams was reliable all night on the punts and kicks. Fort Campbell's Jonathon Jethroe had his shot at Falcon quarterback late in the game, passing and running effectively. Paducah Tilghman's Terrell Murdock ran in a second Tornado touchdown at the end of the game.