By Morgan Bryce
Editor
Leading 6-3 entering the second quarter of Friday’s road contest against Montgomery Academy, Beulah looked like it was on its way to a 3-0 start and second consecutive victory over its region rival.
Those hopes were dashed, however, when Beulah yielded 29 points in the second quarter in a 46-18 loss to the Eagles that dropped their record to 2-1 overall, 0-1 in region play.
A quick Eagles drive to open the game gave them a 3-0 lead with 10 minutes to play in the first quarter. Exchanging three-and-outs, Beulah’s offense temporarily found its footing fewer than five minutes later as a drive buoyed by senior running back Chris Person ended with him galloping in for a 15-yard touchdown. The ensuing extra-point try was no good, leaving the score 6-3.
Following this drive, the Eagles’ defense found ways to limit the Bobcat offense, forcing multiple three-and-outs and an interception. Except for an interception late in the second quarter, Montgomery Academy’s offense was able to capitalize on every single drive, building a comfortable 32-6 lead entering halftime.
Two more TDs in the third gave Montgomery Academy a 46-6 lead starting the fourth quarter. Beulah’s Quay Moreland and Sondrekius Cooper added TDs of 1 and 55 yards in length respectively to trim the Eagle lead and find positive momentum to channel headed into next week’s road contest at Prattville Christian.
Despite the blowout loss, Beulah posted its normal gaudy rushing totals, this time 240 yards on 36 carries. Cooper was the leading rusher with 66 yards on four carries and a TD while Moreland and Person combined for 96 yards and two TDs.
Quarterback Kaleb Abney struggled, completing 6-of-13 passes for 30 yards, with three of those completions going to JaQuavion Johnson.
Defensively, Beulah was led by sophomore linebacker Stanley Washington, who finished with eight tackles and is arguably their most key defender. Andruw Coxwell and Dylan Coleman each notched five tackles.
Austin Billingsley maintained a 36-yard average on four punts last night.
Following back-to-back home games to start the season, Beulah will travel to Prattville Christian Friday for another important regional matchup. The Panthers (0-2 overall, 0-1 in region play) are fresh off a 48-10 road loss to Pike Road High School.
Kickoff for next Friday’s game is set for 7 p.m. Panther Stadium is located at 322 Old Farm Lane N. in Prattville.
Beulah’s next game at Bobcat Stadium will be against Southside-Selma on Sept. 20 with the same kickoff time.