CLAYTON — Southmont’s defense bended but never broke in Friday’s Class 2A Sectional 37 21-7 win over Cascade. The Cadets only score of the game came on a 100 yard interception return by Logan Gibbs in the second quarter. In a game that featured a total of 77 rushing attempts, it was Southmont’s ground game that prevailed as sophomore Wyatt Woodall tallied 27 carries for 190 yards and a touchdown in the Mounties first sectional win since 2017. In total Southmont rushed for 292 yards and had 395 yards of total offense.
The play of the game however came through the air. With just seconds remaining in the first half and the score all tied at 7-7, Nick Scott found Sam Line for a 73-yard go-ahead score right before halftime.
“We knew we had one chance there,” Southmont coach Desson Hannum said of the game-changing play. “We thought we saw something in the way they were lined up defensively, and decided to take our shot. Nick (Scott) hit Sam right in stride and then Sam just did the rest.”
After trading fumbles late in the second quarter, Southmont finally got on the board with a two-yard run by Woodall then minutes later was able to take the lead on that play right before halftime.
Southmont’s defense was stout especially in the second half, surrendering just 21 total yards in the final 24 minutes of play. The first drive of the game Cascade marched the ball all the way down to the Mounties six yard line but were held without any points as they turned it over on downs. Along with crediting his defense for their effort, Hannum also praised Woodall for his performance.
“They (Cascade) have a tough and physical offense,” Hannum said. “Thankfully we were able to withstand that. Wyatt was a man tonight for us. If we were going to win, he was going to be a big reason why and he kept telling us to keep feeding him the ball. Carson and Wyatt combined with our offensive line were just able to run the time out at the end of the game.”
With the win, the Mounties snap a four-game losing streak and improve to 6-4 on the season. They will host next week’s sectional semi-final game as Lafayette Central Catholic defeated South Vermillion. No matter the opponent, Hannum is happy he and his team get to extend their season one more week.
“That’s the first thing that I told them afterwards is we get to be together for one more week,” he said. “That’s really special for our seniors, our upperclassmen, and for our entire team. We’re excited about the opportunity to play at home and get to prepare for another opponent.”
