The Macon County Junior High Tigers kicked off their 2010 campaign at home against the Tigers of Gordonsville on Tuesday, August 10th. Fans of both teams filled the stands to show their support on the rather toasty Tuesday evening.

Macon County received the ball first at around midfield. The Tigers started their opening series strong, driving the ball to the 24 yard line on a halfback sweep. Another outside run by Macon County set them up around the 10 yard line.

The Tigers converted on a 4th and 1 on the 3 yard line and soon after pounded the ball into the endzone for the first points of the season. The Tigers led 6-0 after the failed extra point attempt with 3:15 left to play in the first quarter.

Macon County regained possession of the ball after the defense forced Gordonsville to punt on 4th and 6. A fumble on first down gave Gordonsville the ball back, at the end of the first quarter the score remained 6-0.

Gordonsville was forced to punt again, setting the Tigers of Macon County up with excellent field position on the 47 yard-line.

They were able to move the ball some, but were unable to convert on 4th and long after a long run was negated by a holding call just prior to 4th down.

The Tigers defense held strong again, not allowing Gordonsville many yards or even a first down.

Gordonsville found success through the air on a 47 yard pass resulting in a touchdown for the Tigers of Gordonsville. The Tigers extra point attempt failed, making the scored tied at 6-6, and that’s how the score remained heading into half-time.

Gordonsville took possession of the ball to start the third quarter and threw another 47 yard touchdown pass to take a 12-6 lead, the extra point attempt failed.

Macon County’s first possession of the second half stalled, on fourth down the Tigers belted a 41 yard punt to Gordonsville’s 27 yard line. The defense held strong, recovering possession of the ball on a fumble. The Tigers began their second drive on the 44 yard line with around 2:30 to play in the third quarter.

A couple of runs set the Tigers up on the 32 yard line, then to the 24 yard line, then down to the 21. The Tigers looked to be driving the ball deep into Gordonsville territory. Faced with 4th down, the Tigers came up just a yard short of the first down, giving Gordonsville the ball back.

Gordonsville began running the clock down, Macon County was unable to get the stop they needed on defense, giving Gordonsville first down, where they ran out the remaining time on the clock.

The Macon County Tigers begin 0-1 after a close loss to Gordonsville. Macon County enjoyed success on both sides of the ball in their opening game.

The offense was able to move the ball well by several different individuals and the defense held strong throughout the game allowing only four first downs, with two of them coming late in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers will play next on August 26th at Cannon County. Kickoff will be at 6:30.