A decade of season-opening frustration for Hixson's football program ended when Isaac Smith's 41-yard field goal sailed just inside the left upright with 6.6 seconds left to give the Wildcats an 18-15 home win over Signal Mountain on Thursday night.
"It was about always competing," a smiling Josh Ownesby said of his Wildcats' come-from-behind win, which ended a three-year run of one-sided frustration against the Eagles. "We made the plays when we had to, and that feels good."
The Wildcats went 3-7 last year in Owensby's first season, a one-game improvement over their 2020 record, and they have more progress in mind after returning more than half of their starters on each side of the ball.
Hixson turned Ethan Cushwa's pick-six, a desperation touchdown pass and a bad snap that went through the end zone for a safety into 15 points, which was enough to tie the Eagles late in the game.
The final touchdown catch by Ron Suttles left the game tied at 15, but Signal Mountain senior Luke Alexander blocked the ensuing PAT. The Eagles were unable to threaten on their final possession, although the big three of quarterback Cash Keene, running back Garrett Wilson and receiver Blake Wolfard found open spaces for most of the night.
"Tomorrow, this can be a teaching moment," Signal Mountain coach Josh Roberts said, "but right now this one hurts."
More important than the outcome, multiple sources said Eagles senior Kyler Coterel, who was taken from the field on a stretcher and from the stadium in an ambulance, had all use of his extremities and the measures were taken as precautions.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.