‘Eli-led’ 21-0 run
Pushes FHS past Science Hill in huge Region 1-6A victory
Though Farragut’s offense compiled just 230 total yards, three interceptions and a blocked punt set up 28 of the Admirals’ 35 points on FHS Homecoming Night versus Johnson City Science Hill at Bill Clabo Field.
Scoring 21 unanswered points in a 2:14 stretch at the end of the third quarter and first two minutes of the final stanza was highlighted by FHS outside linebacker Eli Purcell, who blocked a punt that teammate Dylan Cosey scooped up for a 10-yard touchdown, then intercepted a pass moments later at the Science Hill 19.
“Last year I blocked a punt, but I’ve never had an interception,” said Purcell, a junior, as Farragut rallied from a 17-14 deficit late in the third quarter to win this key Region 1-6A game 35-25 Friday night, Oct. 4.
His interception was quickly turned into a 19-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Gavin Wilkinson — who is now the school’s all-time leader in career passing yardage at 5.250 — to senior receiver Alec Keathley.
Still perfect in region at 2-0, the Ads are now 3-3 overall. Science Hill drops to 2-5, 2-1.
Logan Foody’s interception at the SHHS 35 early in the first quarter led to Sam Kniss’ 2-yard scoring run. Kicker Simeon Sharp added the first of his five extra points.
The running of Hilltoppers star Chris Thomas plus a 20-yard “pick-6” interception-and-score allowed Science Hill to grab a 14-7 lead three minutes into the second quarter.
But a Camden Kuhn interception at the SHHS 31 set up Keathley’s 39-yard screen-pass TD reception, breaking two tackles along the way, tying the game 14-14 midway through the second frame.
With the Hilltoppers leading 17-14, Farragut marched 80 yards to take the lead for good late in the third. An 18-yard Jackson Fontenot catch helped set the stage for Gabe Hensley’s 6-yard scoring run for a 21-17 lead.
