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Count again in favor of OC

Count again in favor of OC
Count again in favor of OC

Obion Central’s Lucas Fulbright turns the corner during Friday’s scraimmage action.
Apparently, Obion Central doesn’t have to settle for moral victories anymore.
The Rebels have much momentum heading into this Saturday night’s season opener at Troy against Fulton County after a 16-8 bettering of Tipton-Rosemark Academy on Friday at the Covington Football Jamboree.
With the triumph, OC has now claimed two preseason scrimmage victories in as many tries.
“We’ve done pretty good the last few times out,” Obion Central head coach Shawn Jackson boasted. “Our guys played really hard tonight and I’m proud of how much class we played with at the end.”
What Jackson was referring to with that statement was OC’s final possession against its fellow Rebels.
After Nathan Ward picked off a pass thanks in large part to pressure applied on the TRA quarterback by Josh Quinton, Obion Central plugged away, gaining four first downs to run the clock out instead of going for another touchdown.
“A lot of programs in the situation this one has been in the past two years would have poured it on,” Jackson explained. “I’m proud of our kids for showing sportsmanship.”
OC quarterback Patrick Haskins did show out, scoring both of his team’s touchdowns and rushing for over 100 yards.
Haskins’ first dash to paydirt came at the 9:52 mark of the first 12-minute quarter as the senior signal caller sprinted 55 yards to the endzone.
Lucas Fulbright took in the two-point conversion to put the local Rebels up 8-0.
After a Tipton-Rosemark score and subsequent two-pointer, Haskins scooted in — from nine yards out — after a fake to Fulbright during the second 12-minute period for the winning score.
Then, Haskins connected with Steven Patton for the two-point conversion.
Offensively, Central showed more progress with two sustained drives  — each ending with a touchdown.
During those marches to paydirt, Haskins and Fulbright had their numbers called numerous times, but Clint Jones and Brandon Armour also got handed the pigskin.
Jones was also key during OC’s time management drive, running three times for a total of 15 yards.
“We clicked pretty good,” Jackson said of his offense. “We didn’t throw the ball a lot and wanted to focus on our backs and running game. Our offensive line is the best I’ve ever coached at the high school level and they did a good job of opening up holes and providing protection to our backs tonight.
“What can I really say other than I’m proud of the whole team. We made some good plays, scored more than they did and got out of here with everyone healthy. That’s a successful scrimmage any day in my book.”
Sports reporter Kenneth Coker can be contacted by e-mail at kcoker@ucmessenger.com.