Adamsville picks up 34-7 win over McNairy

The Adamsville Cardinals traveled to Selmer on Friday night and defeated the Bobcats by a score of 34-7. The Cardinals dominated the game the entire night and only allowed McNairy Central to score in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

The victory was the second straight win for the Cardinals in their rivalry with McNairy Central. Before last season’s victory over McNairy Central, Adamsville hadn’t defeated the Bobcats since 1984.

Head Cardinal coach Brandon Gray went into the game expecting a victory. “Our kids were ready to play. We told them to make sure that we finished well. We’ve been playing good football in spurts, but they had to get the mind set of finishing strong,” he said. “We told them if we go out and execute and don’t make mistakes, we’ll get the win.” He felt the opening kickoff started the Cards off with the momentum they needed. “John Michael Poland set the tone of the game on the kickoff with a good block. We got the ball, went straight down the field, and scored,” he said.

The Cardinals controlled the line of scrimmage in the game. Adamsville finished the game with 256 total yards and held McNairy Central to only 143. The majority of the offense for the Cardinals came on the ground with a total of 224 rushing yards. Much of that offensive damage was done in the first two quarters. Adamsville outgained McNairy Central 165-38 in total yards before halftime. The result was a 14-0 Cardinal advantage at the half.

Jamel Sanders scored the first touchdown of the night on a 2-yard run at the 5:32 mark of the first quarter. Stephen Jackson scored on a 5-yard run in the second quarter to give them the two touchdown lead at halftime. Dustin Plunk connected on each of the extra-point attempts.

After Sanders scored on a 5-yard run at the 2:58 mark of the third quarter, the Cardinal defense extended the lead even more. Josh Shoate and Kasey Hurley returned interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive possessions for McNairy Central. After the defensive touchdowns and a pair of PAT kicks by Plunk, Adamsville held a 34-0 lead with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter.

Sanders finished the game with 109 yards rushing on 18 carries. Jackson had 57 yards rushing on nine carries. Kameron McDaniel had 42 yards rushing on seven carries. Quarterback Bradley Melton completed two of his four pass attempts in the game.

John Michael Poland was the leading tackler for Adamsville in the game with six total tackles. Kameron McDaniel and Kasey Hurley each had five total tackles. Gray credits much of the team’s success on the night to the offensive line. “They did a great job. The whole line got player of the week for that game. I have to tip my hat to them. They don’t get a lot of credit,” he said.