Hound Dogs Build Early Lead to Down Skyhawks

 

[This is a fictional sports article.  Results and Stats are generated by Pro Strategy Football software.]

Columbia, S.C. - The Tennessee Hound Dogs (7-2) took advantage of two early turnovers to jump out to a 17-3 first quarter lead and held on for a 26-13 win over the South Carolina Skyhawks (3-5-1).

On their first drive of the game, Quintaveous Miller ran into the line when the football popped loose and was recovered by Tennessee's Tywan Hamilton.  David Coutee later kicked a 30-yard field goal to give the Hound Dogs the first score.

On Tennessee's next possession, quarterback Rich Lewis led the Hound Dogs down the field and finished the drive with a nine-yard pass to Demetrius Perry to extend the lead to 10-0.  The Skyhawks' troubles continued on their next possession as the Hound Dogs recovered a fumble at the Skyhawks' 23.  Tennessee converted the turnover with a 1-yard power run by Otis Louis to put the Hound Dogs further on top at 17-0.   Steven Gallup booted a 44-yard field goal before the end of the opening quarter to put South Carolina on the board.  

"I was really pleased with the start that we had and taking advantage of the turnovers," said Hound Dogs' Head Coach Colton Preston.  "I wished we could have maintained that effort in the rest of the game but glad it was enough to win this one."

The offense for the Hound Dogs went cold the rest of the game and three field goals from Coutee was the only offense.  The South Carolina defense harassed Lewis with eight sacks to keep the Hound Dogs' from gaining any momentum after the opening quarter.

"We have got to protect Rich better than that," Preston added.  "Our offense isn't going to do much if he doesn't have time to run the offense.  Our line needs to do a better job with their schemes and recognizing the defense."

South Carolina pulled within 10 points before halftime on a six-yard pass from Larry Janikowski to Cedric Lawson then Gallup got the Skyhawks within seven points with a 20-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter.  Coutee added a pair of 39-yard field goals to add to the Hound Dogs' lead.

"We have to play all four quarters," Preston added.  "This one could have gotten away from us.  I'll say it again that our field goal kicker can't be all of our offense.  We're lucky to win this one."

With the win, the Hound Dogs keep pace with the North Carolina Copperheads for the second-place spot in the Southeast Division.  Next week the Hound Dogs will play the Alabama Hammers in Knoxville.  The Hammers are undefeated and first place in the division.  Alabama beat Tennessee 29-16 in Birmingham on October 2nd.