Passes, turnovers key Bearden run to MAC finals; FMS ends 6-2
A blocked punt got things going for Bearden early in the first quarter of its revenge mission against No. 2 seed Farragut Middle School, as this Middle School-Aged Conference varsity playoff semifinal showdown at FHS’s Clabo Field Thursday evening, Sept. 26, turned into a Maroon passing show.
Drew Parrot’s 18-yard touchdown strike to Sam Tummins gave the visitors an early lead they wouldn’t relinquish. More clutch pass plays along with forcing turnovers, set the stage for a 32-6 Bearden win, sending head coach Kevin Ironside’s team (6-2) to the title game at Alcoa Thursday, Oct. 3.
FMS ends its season 6-2 — which included a 24-14 win against Bearden at FHS Aug. 15. “We way underestimated them (the first game). That is a tough, hard-hitting, good football team,” coach Ironside said. “... Our kids were really motivated, they’ve talked about it.”
Parrot contributed on defense with an interception killing a long Farragut drive. Sean Couvertiere’s interception set up Braden Buchanan’s diving touchdown catch of 18 yards. The second of four 2-point conversion kicks from Jack Downey made it 16-0 three minutes into the second quarter.
Jack Alley’s 7-yard run cut the Maroon lead to 16-6.
Drew found Braden down the middle for a 15-yard TD pass and a 24-6 lead late in the third quarter. After Sam recovered a fumble at the FMS 26, Mugisha Ironside scored from 2 yards out late in the fourth quarter.
In addition to the players already noted, “Our defensive line, they all played good: (Mykel) Slusher, (Isaiah) Harvey, (Jackson) Graham and (A.J) Griffith,” coach Ironside said. “And Quincy Hodge at linebacker played a good game.”
Look for a season wrap about the FMS season in next week’s issue.
