By Ashley Hargrove
ashley@athensnews-courier.com
CAPSHAW —
Jeff Pugh didn’t hesitate to turn to Josh Appleby during a clutch situation Friday night, despite how an earlier situation turned out.
Four weeks ago, Appleby was called on to attempt a 50-yard field goal. It sailed just wide of the uprights as time expired.
But against county rival Athens in a Class 5A, Region 8 contest, it was a much different outcome. His 29-yard kick sailed through the goal post with three seconds remaining in regulation to lift East Limestone to a 24-21 win.
For his efforts, Appleby has been selected as this week’s News Courier Player of the Week.
“I was thinking to myself, ‘Oh man, I don’t know if I can make this,’” Appleby said. “But the last thing that crossed my mind as I walked up to kick it was how my brother (Jacob) won a game with one that was actually 29 yards in college. I knew it was good as soon as I kicked it, and it felt good. I really wanted this game, especially for our seniors.”
Other notable performances from across the county this week include:
• Joel Swanner, Elkmont: The Red Devil senior accounted for 109 of Elkmont’s 129 rushing yards during their win over Clements.
• Jake Blankenship, West Limestone: The junior rushed for two touchdowns, ran for a two-point conversion, had three sacks and forced a fumble. His TDs came on runs of 3 and 9 yards. Blankenship also intercepted a pass on the first play of the game and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown.
