Visiting Akron defeats Tharptown 20-12

By Staff
Matt Sellers
Franklin County Times
THARPTOWN – Despite a 180-yard rushing effort from junior Daniel Scott, the Tharptown Wildcats lost their season finale 20-12 to Akron last Friday night.
Scott had another 100-yard game for the Wildcats, including 99 yards rushing and a touchdown in the second quarter.
Junior Tyler Cagle, who left the game early in the second quarter with a knee injury, put Tharptown ahead 6-0 with a 2-yard run at the 7:56 mark in the first quarter.
Akron tied the game at 6, and then Scott found the end zone from 9 yards out to put Tharptown ahead. But Akron responded with another score to make the halftime score 12-12.
The Wildcats' Brandon Cothom picked off an Akron pass and returned it to the 3-yard line with three seconds left. Tharptown scored on the last play, but the touchdown was called back after having too many players on the field.
Akron added the difference-making touchdown in the third quarter as Tharptown freshman quarterback Jacob Parker attempted to lead the Wildcats after Cagle's injury.
Freshman defensive end Nathan Gray led Tharptown with a sack, one tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery, and Scott had an interception return for 50 yards.
The Wildcats finished their first full season of varsity games with a 7-3 record.