QB question mark answered in win

Coming into Friday night’s jamboree game against Red Level, the major question mark for the Straughn Tigers was how well senior Chase Short would make the transition from playing fullback last year to leading the team at quarterback in 2012.

After coming out on top with a lopsided 53-6 victory at SHS, that question was laid to rest, as Short looked very comfortable taking the reins and directing the offense against a clearly over-matched Red Level squad.

After both teams opened the game with three-and-outs, a botched punt by Red Level gave Straughn good field position and Short opened up the scoring by taking it in himself from a few yards out with 7:05 remaining in the first quarter. Short’s PAT was good and SHS led 7-0.

On their next possession, Straughn wasted no time and drove down the field, capping off their scoring drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Short to sophomore Daryl George. After a missed PAT, the score was 13-0.

Red Level’s only bright spot of the game was an impressive long scoring drive finished off by a quarterback sneak from 2-yards out by do-it-all quarterback Dee Tolbert. The PAT was blocked and Red Level trailed 13-6.

Straughn answered with a goal-line score of its own when Short handed off to junior Johnny Owens. Owens punched it in from the 1 yard line. Short’s PAT was good this time, making the score 20-6.

After Austin Bozeman caused a Red Level fumble, Straughn took over at the 48 yard line. SHS moved into the red-zone with a 35-yard completion by Short, and junior Jamie Stewart barreled into the end zone from 6 yards out. The PAT was good and SHS increased their growing lead to 27-6.

Another Red Level fumble, recovered by Jeffery Fraze, gave Straughn good field postion once again, and George added to his scoring total when he ran it in on first and goal from the 3-yard line. The PAT was good and with 1:28 remaining in the half, the home-team Tigers led 34-6.

Red Level opened the second half with an interception, but was unable to capitalize and turn it into points.

Straughn got the ball back and second-string quarterback Rollin Kinsaul rumbled into the end zone from 15 yards out to bring the score to 40-6. The PAT was good.

In the fourth quarter, Red Level was again unable to take advantage of their good fortune when they recovered a SHS fumble, then fumbled it right back two plays later.

Freshman Barrett Bush got in on the action when he reeled off a 55-yard touchdown run to expand Straughn’s lead to 47-6. The PAT was no good.

Straughn scored one more time with a minute remaining to close out the game, 53-6.

Straughn looked very sharp and will aim to build on this success in preparation for next Friday night’s game at home against bitter rival Andalusia.

Red Level will try to learn from their mistakes, put this loss behind them, and be ready for their first road test of the young season at Choctaw County.