Andrews – Wildcats fans couldn’t ask for a better Friday night, as they hosted homecoming and defeated Rosman for their first win of the season.
Andrews’ varsity football team earned the 20-6 win Friday night over Smoky Mountain Conference opponent Rosman. The Wildcats received the opening kickoff to get their homecoming game underway, and things just got better from there.
The Cats worked their way down the field on the ground. From the 1 yard line, they pushed through the Rosman defense and found the end zone. Myca Gibson made the extra point kick to give Andrews the 7-0 lead with 6:40 remaining in the first quarter.
On Rosman’s first offensive drive of the game, they fumbled at midfield and the Wildcats recovered. However, they could take not advantage of the fumble recovery and turned it over on downs.
Once Rosman got the ball back, they ran out the remaining time in the first quarter. They started the second quarter with the ball on the 50 yard line.
The Tigers worked closer to the end zone, then from 20 yards out rushed it in. They failed to convert a two-point attempt, and Andrews led 7-6 with 8:13 left in the second period.
On the next drive for the Cats, Kelby Waldroup found the end zone on the ground after they worked their way downfield. Gibson made the extra point, and the Cats led 14-6 with 4:24 left before halftime.
On Rosman’s next drive, the Tigers had to punt. On the return, it ricocheted off an Andrews player and Rosman recovered it on Andrews’ 18 yard line.
Despite being 18 yards from the end zone, Rosman failed to take advantage. The Tigers turned it over on downs with 37 seconds left.
For the first time this season, the Wildcats led heading into halftime.
The third quarter was scoreless from both sides. The fourth quarter started with Andrews getting the ball back after Phisher Baxter got an interception.
After the interception, the Wildcats worked their way down the field on the ground and in the air. Their drive included a fourth-down conversion and potential touchdown called back after a penalty.
The Wildcats fought through, and Waldroup scored a 23-yard receiving touchdown to extend their lead. The extra point was blocked, and the Cats led 20-6 with 4:43 left in the game.
Rosman made a last-ditch effort to put more points on the board, but Andrews’ Christian DeJesus put a stop to that with an interception. The Cats ran out the clock and started celebrating.
Wildcats quarterback Brady McLelland said after the game, “It feels amazing. I didn’t know if I was ready, but we came out, put on a show and it was great.”
He thinks the Cats have a good chance against Murphy, next week’s opponent.
“Murphy’s good, but they’re always good. If we come out and play like we did, we’ll be just fine,” McLelland said.
After the win, Wildcats head coach Jason Johnson said, “It’s a great feeling. I’m proud for the boys, I’m proud for the coaches that’s been putting all that work in all season. It’s been a tough season, they fought hard and they got them a win. I’m proud of them, every one of them.”
Johnson said they ran the ball well against Rosman, which was their goal. He added that the defense played well, and players stepped up.
“We played a lot of young kids tonight and they stepped up, which I’m proud of. Kelby Waldroup stepped up and played a great game. Of course, Brady McLelland back off his injury was great, both offensively and defensively,” Johnson said.
Friday night, the Wildcats will welcome Murphy to The Valley for their annual in-county matchup. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
To prepare for their matchup against Murphy, Johnson said they will watch film and practice hard. Their main goal is to come out, play hard and compete when they host the Bulldogs.