DALTON, Ga. – Dalton High School football coach Matt Land wasn’t kidding when he said the most impactful aspect of the Catamounts this year would be special teams.
In a game that was halted at halftime due to severe weather, Dalton recorded one of the most statistically odd wins in its lengthy and successful history. Despite gaining 37 total yards, the Cats defeated Ringgold 21-10 Friday thanks to a pair of special-teams returns from senior Tyis Love.
Love took the opening kickoff back 95 yards straight up the middle and cut left for a stunning 7-0 lead. Early in the second quarter, after the Tigers had tied it on an 80-yard drive, Love did it again, taking a punt back 98 yards, this time down the right sideline and again untouched.
“Special teams is something we spend a lot of time on,” Land said. “Historically, we’ve experienced the fact that special teams can make a big difference in a game, and tonight was no exception.
“Tyis is a senior who has waited his time, and he’s taking advantage of it. He fought through some things this summer, and now he’s a big part of the team. Those were two of the best returns I’ve seen in a long time.”