By Scott Nickerson
Elmore/Autauga News
Wetumpka quarterback Nate Rogers threw for one touchdown and caught another to lead the Indians to a 21-16 win over the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs in a big Class 6A Region 2 showdown in Millbrook.
For the Mustangs, it was the fourth game this year when their offense had the ball on the final possession of the game with a chance to win or tie. Just like the previous three times, the Mustangs were unable to put the ball in the end zone. To make things even more difficult for the Mustangs, they played the entire game without starting quarterback Jacob Bryant, who was injured in last week’s loss against Prattville. Backup quarterback Josiah Scott filled in nicely for the Mustangs, throwing for 133 yards.
The difference in this game was what each team did with the ball when they had a scoring opportunity in the first half. Each of Stanhope Elmore’s first three offensive possessions reached at least the Wetumpka 20-yard line. But on each of the three possessions, a Stanhope Elmore penalty put the offensive behind the sticks early. And each time, the Mustangs went for a 4th down attempt instead of trying a 35-40 yard field goal. Three Mustang possessions deep in Wetumpka territory resulted in no points for Stanhope Elmore.
In contrast, Wetumpka scored on each of its three possessions that went deep into Stanhope Elmore territory. The Indians got on the board first with a 26-yard field goal with just over 5 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. A Stanhope Elmore fumble two plays later gave the Indians the ball at the Mustangs’ 25-yard line. A throwback to Rogers resulted in a touchdown for Wetumpka, and they went ahead 10-0. The final points of the first half came on a Wetumpka field goal with just 18 seconds left, following another Mustangs turnover. The visiting Indians appeared in control at the half, up 13-0.
The Mustangs came out focused in the second half, marching the ball down the field behind a 15-yard run from Jackson Thomas and a 29-yard run from Davion Thomas. The Mustangs scored their first touchdown on a 1-yard Jackson Thomas rush. The extra point cut the Indians lead to 13-7.
Wetumpka immediately answered with their own touchdown drive, culminating with Rogers delivering a 26-yard touchdown pass. The Indians’ two-point conversion was successful, and they went ahead 21-7.
With approximately seven minutes left in the game, the Mustangs were able to down a punt inside the Wetumpka 5-yard line. Two plays later, the Stanhope Elmore defense had a big play, tacking the Wetumpka ball carrier in the end zone for a safety, cutting the Indians’ lead to 21-9.
The Mustangs took the kickoff and appeared to once again be on the verge of turning the ball over on downs, as they faced a 4th and 18 from the Indians’ 42-yard line. Attempting to avoid the rush, Scott moved forward and appeared to heave the ball up in the air, but Mustang receiver Tevin Landrum made one of the plays of the game, beating all the defenders for the ball and coming down with the catch. Shortly thereafter, Davion Thomas scored from 5-yards out. The extra point cut the Wetumpka lead to 21-16.
The Mustangs defense was able to hold Wetumpka, and the Stanhope Elmore offense took over on their own 20-yard line with 2 minutes left and no timeouts. The Mustangs were not able to get a first down, and the Indians ran out the clock on the final few plays to seal the win, 21-16.
Wetumpka improves to 5-1 on the season, and 3-1 in Class 6A Region 2. Next week they will host Carver in a matchup that could determine the Region 2 winner.
Stanhope Elmore falls to 1-5 on the season, and 1-2 in Class 6A Region 2. They will play in Cramton Bowl next Thursday night against Sidney Lanier, in the second of four consecutive games against Region 2 opponents. The Poets are 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in region play. With 7 teams in Region 2, and the top 4 teams making the Class 6A playoffs, a win over Lanier will keep playoff hopes alive for Stanhope Elmore.
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