West Limestone powers past West Morgan

Published 1:30 am Saturday, September 19, 2020

On a night where West Morgan was determined to stop West Limestone standout receiver River Helms, it was several other Wildcats who stepped up to lead them to a 37-15 victory over the Rebels.

Helms was double and triple-teamed much of the game and finished with just one catch for -1 yard, but Brody White and Christian Smith stepped up to fill the void, combining for 94 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Colin Patterson had an efficient game throwing the ball, completing 10 of 14 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns.

“We knew eventually we would run into somebody who would say we’re going to take (Helms) out of the game, and make somebody else beat us,” West Limestone coach Shelby Davis said. “Some other guys had to step up and they did. Brody White and Christian Smith stepped up, and Colin did a good job not trying to force the ball to River and just take what the defense gave him. He’s done a really great job.”

The Wildcats improved to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in Class 4A, Region 8 play. They are the only team in the region still undefeated.

West Limestone’s special teams accounted for the first nine points of the game, as West Morgan’s punt unit struggled in the first quarter. The Rebels’ first punt of the game was blocked and returned for a touchdown by Dakota Wilson. West Morgan’s second attempt was almost as bad, as the snap sailed over punter Alex Garcia’s head. Garcia had to fall on the ball in the end zone for a safety, which gave West Limestone a 9-0 lead before the Wildcats offense had even taken the field.

West Limestone’s first offensive touchdown came on its final play of the first half. Patterson threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Smith with less than 20 seconds until halftime to put the Wildcats up 16-0 at the break.

West increased its lead to 23-0 on its first possession of the second half when Patterson threw his second touchdown pass of the night, this one a 12-yard strike to White.

The lead remained 23 points until the fourth quarter, when West Morgan fought back with two straight touchdowns.

Connor Dillard made the score 23-7 with a 4-yard touchdown run. West Limestone lost a fumble on its next play from scrimmage, and Dillard scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to make the score 23-15 with 7:45 remaining.

However, West Limestone didn’t fold. The Wildcats came right back with a 55-yard touchdown drive capped off by Wilson’s 23-yard touchdown run. Thorne Slaton added the final touchdown of the night with a 31-yard scoring run with a minute left to set the final margin.

Slaton led the rushing attack with 91 yards, while White was the leading receiver with 69 yards.

“Our guys found a way to win again,” Davis said. “When something bad happens, we don’t fall apart, we find a way to win. That’s what I’m most impressed with about this team. They don’t find a way to lose a game, the find a way to win it.”