Mt’neers fall to Reeds Spring, 35-34, in overtime play

The Mt. Vernon Mt’neers lost their game against the Reeds Spring Wolves by one point at Mt’neer Stadium on Friday, Oct. 21, after the game went into overtime play.
Initially in the lead, the Mt’neers drew first blood in the game when Braden Dodson capped off their offensive drive near the end of first quarter with a two-yard touchdown plunge. Ashton Cottrell followed up with a successful PAT. The Mt’neers repeated this performance in the last seconds of the quarter, with Dodson making the touchdown plunge again, this time from the one-yard line. Cottrell’s second successful PAT made the score 14-0 at the end of the first.
However, Reeds Spring got on the board when they made their own touchdown and PAT near the end of the half. They made two more touchdowns and PATs to take the lead, 21-14, at the end of third quarter.
A fired-up Mt. Vernon offense evened up the score when Gavin Johnston completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Turner in the first minute of fourth quarter; Cottrell’s PAT made the score 21-all.
Reeds Spring pulled ahead again when they made another touchdown and PAT, but the Mt’neers answered back when Johnston completed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Turner, followed up by Cottrell’s fifth PAT of the night. Both teams were tied, 28-all, at the end of regular play.
Going into overtime, Reeds Spring scored a touchdown and PAT, to make the score 35-28. The Mt’neers followed up with their own touchdown, and then attempted a two-point conversion. Unfortunately, the Reeds Spring defense intercepted the conversion to defeat the Mt’neers, 35-34.
While the game was a loss, Mt’neers Head Coach Tom Cox said he was greatly pleased with how the team played.
“(It) definitely (was) not the outcome we had worked so hard for, but what a football game,” he said. “I am so proud of this team! Every time Reeds Spring would score, we would answer with one of our own. I'm disappointed for our players and coaches who have poured so much of themselves into this opportunity to play for a conference championship. The decision to go for two in overtime was made before the end of regulation. We knew we could score, and we wanted to play for the win while we had the momentum. Unfortunately, we didn't convert.”
Cox also had plenty of praise for how his players performed individually on the field.
“Once again, we had a ton of great individual performances that led to some exciting football,” he said. Kicker Malachi Hennum was sick and not able to play, so in stepped Ashton Cottrell. He did a great job of placing the ball right where Coach Cason wanted it on kickoffs and was a perfect four for four on extra points. Clayton Turner caught three touchdown passes from Gavin Johnston, and Braden Dodson added another two on the ground. Defensively, we didn't play as well as we normally do, but the Wolves had a lot to do with that. They have a very good squad, but so do we.”

Playoffs
The playoffs start this Friday, and the Mt. Vernon team will play at home. Cox said he hopes the Mt’neers supporters will pack the stands.
“We received the No. 2 seed in Class 2, District 4,” he said, “and will play the Clever Bluejays at Mountaineer Stadium Friday night at 7 pm. Seneca is the No. 1 seed and receives a first-round bye. We had a great crowd for Senior Night to celebrate our 2023 graduates that participate in fall activities; we hope to have another packed house this Friday. It sure makes a difference when people come out to watch the Mountaineers. Bleed Green!”