Tharptown falls to Phillips

Tharptown quarterback Carson Petree eyes the field.

By Bart Moss for the FCT

The Tharptown Wildcats were within striking distance of going from their first win in 18 games to a back-to-back performance at Phillips High School Friday night.

The Wildcats took a 21-16 lead early in the second half, and the defense held strong until later in the quarter. Phillips then rolled off 28 unanswered points to take the win 44-16.

Phillips scored first on a six-yard run to make the score 8-0.

Tharptown added points to the board with a 25-yard run by Trent Risley late in the first to cut the score to 8-7.

Phillips scored on the next possession to open the second quarter with an 18-yard touchdown pass to increase their lead to 16-7, and the Wildcats answered on a 12-yard run by Peyton Price to close the gap to 16-14.

Tharptown opened the second half with an impressive drive that culminated with a 27-yard run by Mikey Rosson to give the Wildcats a 21-16 lead.

Phillips would dominate the game from there to get the win.

Tharptown will host Cherokee on Thursday night.