NEW MARKET — Southmont scored in every quarter on its way to a 32-21 win over Sullivan in the opening round of the IHSAA Class 2A state tourney on Friday night.
The Mounties (5-5) led 19-0 early in the second quarter, and were able to stave off a pair of Golden Arrows (5-5) rallies.
“We were able to get out early in the game,” Southmont coach Desson Hannum said. “I was hoping to put the game away early, and unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way. It got a little closer than what we wanted. But a testament to our kids. We had a lot of different kids come in and have to play tonight. Little banged up, but I mean a win is a win. You survive and advance here in the tournament, and we get another week.”
Wyatt Woodall put Southmont on the board with a first quarter touchdown run, while Nolan Boyer went 58 yards to make it 13-0 late in the opening period. A Kyler McCandless punt return made it 19-0.
After a slow start offensively and a play that saw starting quarterback Blake Fraker get up slowly, the Golden Arrows turned to senior Jon Willey in the second quarter. Willey found James Propes from 13 yards out for a score just before the half.
With a late first half touchdown, the ball to start the second half, and an injury that left Southmont senior standout Wyatt Woodall only playing defense, Sullivan had all the momentum to start the third quarter.
The Mounties weren’t ready to roll over though.
“It was one of those things that could have went one or two directions,” Hannum said. “Losing some bodies. You had Wyatt there before half, and the guys just rallied there and got the stop and turnover and went down and scored. I’m proud of those guys for rallying together and that’s really what it takes at this point in the year.”
Southmont forced a turnover on Sullivan’s opening possession of the second half, and converted it into points on a two-yard run by Dylan Howell.
The Golden Arrows fought back with a pair of Laytin Huff touchdown runs, to make it 26-21 with 1:10 to go in the third, but the Mounties run game put the game away in the fourth quarter.
Sophomore Avery Stadler totaled 105 rushing yards, including 103 in the second half and a 45-yard touchdown with 9:50 to go to make it 32-21.
“Stadler had to come and that’s something he had earned with his play, both in practice and in the JV games,” Hannum said.
Behind the strong play of Southmont’s starting offensive line in Kasey Line, Will Cody, Tyler Davis, Waylon Gomez, and Cole Rhoads, Southmont ran it 46 times for 335 yards.
“We had to rely on them in the second half, and especially in the fourth quarter,” Hannum said of his line, three of which are seniors. “We were going to win or lose the game on them. Proud of their effort. They’ve been here for four years, and they’ve done a really good job.”
Boyer added 109 rushing yards on just eight carries, while Woodall compiled 72 yards on the ground.
Southmont will play Cascade at home next Friday. The Cadets beat South Vermillion 41-20 in the opening round.
