The Signal Mountain Eagles could not keep up with the undefeated Loudon Redskins in a 38-14 home loss Friday night.
The Redskins (5-0) broke ahead on a 59-yard touchdown run by Drew Jackson, but host Signal Mountain (2-3) countered on its next possession when quarterback Jack Wilson hit Rod Hutcherson for a 90-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
"Jack did a great job," said Signal Mountain coach Josh Roberts. "We had some trouble protecting him later on, but he's a fantastic leader who can take the team down the field and put us in position to score."
The frantic first quarter continued as Loudon notched another touchdown, this time on a 16-yard pass from Keaton Harig to Mark Ridnour.
With the first quarter winding down, Terrance Russell took a punt 40 yards for the home team to set up the Eagles at the 22-yard line. On fourth-and-goal from the 1, Braden Casner punched it in to tie the game at 14 in front of a packed crowd.
After that tying score, the Eagles' defense could not stop the Redskins. On the ensuing drive, Jackson ran the ball six times and ended the possession with a 25-yard touchdown run. The senior running back finished the night with 158 yards and three touchdowns.
Up 21-14, Loudon ended the half with a 35-yard field goal to increase its lead to 10. After forcing a Signal Mountain punt to start the second half, Loudon embarked on a 16-play, 68-yard touchdown drive to go up 31-14.
Loudon finished the game with 411 yards, led by Harig's 166 passing yards. Wilson paved the way for the Eagles, throwing for 167 yards.
Contact Dan Kopf at sports@timesfreepress.com.