ATHENS – The Cold Springs Eagles lost a tough one on the road Friday night, 50-21, to the Tanner Rattlers. The Rattlers celebrated their homecoming with a huge night from seniors Lee Hisbon, Chadarius Townsend and Oman Smothers, as well as junior Jaquavious Cosby.
The Rattlers jumped out to a quick lead and never really looked back. Both teams played sloppy on defense, with Tanner giving up nearly 100 yards in penalties that included at least three face masks and a personal foul that resulted in the ejection of Dexter Fuqua II. Cold Springs played a cleaner game, but were unable to stop Tanner's explosive athletes on the offensive side of the ball.
Tanner quarterback Townsend ended the night with 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a 95-yard touchdown run, but he may have been shown up by teammate, running back Hisbon, who scored four touchdowns in the first half and ended the night with 206 yards under his belt. Oman Smothers had a strong game on both sides of the ball, racking up several tackles and an interception with nearly 60 yards rushing.
The Eagles played a hard game, but were no matched for Tanner's size and speed. Seniors Cayde Elliott, Nic Rollo and Fisher Willoughby carried the Eagles offense with a barrage of runs and short passes. Both Rollo and Willoughby scored touchdowns on the night and each finished the night with a little more than 100 yards. On the defensive side, the Eagles showed strength in the first half, holding Tanner to a short field. Brayden Williams, Seth Edgeworth and Trevor Slayton all played a physical game, with Slayton ending the night with an interception off Tanner's Townsend.
Despite the score, both teams played a very hard and physical game. Most of Tanner's points came off big runs that the Eagles failed to contain. Tanner's size and speed just proved to be too much, but the Eagles are still locked in for the playoffs and look to face off against Cleveland High School, in Cleveland Alabama next week, before ending their regular season on the road in Danville.
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