Apollo shut out in rainy loss to Greenwood

October 29, 2021 | 12:03 am

Updated October 29, 2021 | 12:13 am

The Apollo Eagles hoped a short week might help to speed up the process of overcoming last week’s bitter loss to Daviess County, but it was not to be on Thursday night at home to Greenwood. Lining up against the Gators, the Eagles were shut out by a final score of 20-0 in a game that felt unusual from the start, given that it came a day earlier than normal due to referee shortages throughout the state.

Unfortunately for Apollo (6-4) it was a second consecutive defeat on their home turf, this time in the midst of monsoon-like rains and cool temperatures that dipped down into the low 50’s throughout the contest. 

In the game, Greenwood was able to get on the board early, with a touchdown coming by way of a two-yard run from Tel Tel Long. The score capped off a 77-yard drive for the visitors and would prove crucial as the night wore on. The defensive intensity from the home team helped stave off an early two-point conversion attempt, though, keeping the score at 6-0 heading into the second quarter. 

The second quarter brought on heavier rain than the first quarter, plenty of rushing plays from both squads and little offensive success for either team, as the early touchdown by Long remained the difference at the break.  

One first half bright spot for Apollo was the strong boot of Harrison Bowman, who helped fend off any would-be drives by the Gators with punts of 43 yards, 25 yards, and 29 yards in driving winds and overall less-than-ideal conditions. 

In the second half, Apollo looked to come out swinging, and a pooch kick to the Greenwood 35-yard line nearly bounced into the hands of a flock of Eagles in threatening field position. Unfortunately, the Gators came away with the ball and proceeded to successfully manage the clock for much of the quarter. 

The best opportunity for Apollo to score came on the heels of Greenwood’s second rushing touchdown of the game, this time converted by Marquese Trussell from the 1-yard line. This time, a two-point conversion attempt was successful, which helped to make the game 14-0 with 6:03 to play in the fourth quarter. 

Enter junior quarterback Christian Combs, who connected with Carter Contratto on the ensuing drive for a 27-yard reception. The throw and catch were followed in short order by a 12-yard quarterback keeper to advance the ball to the Greenwood 10-yard line for a first-and-goal situation. Once again, however, the Greenwood defense came up with a huge four-down stop, and the Eagles surrendered the ball on downs with just 3:02 left in the game. 

Three plays later the Gators added insult to injury on a 59-yard touchdown run by Jaylen Brock, which cemented the 20-0 scoreline and ended the Eagles’ hopes of a late-game comeback. 

Following a deflating loss for his team, Apollo head coach John Edge did not mince words in assessing his team’s execution. 

“Greenwood came in here tonight and just wanted it more than we did,” Edge said. “We came out here and let them run it down our throat and we got shut out on our home field. I credit those guys for their speed and defensive effort, but I’m disappointed in how we played. In the end, we killed our own drives with bad snaps and poor execution and that’s what cost us the football game tonight.” 

As the Eagles look ahead to next week, they’ll be preparing for brighter days. Edge went on to comment on his agenda heading into a big playoff matchup at home in eight days’ time. 

“The message going forward is that we are 0-0 going into the playoffs, and we need to get prepared for Henderson County next week here at home,” Edge said. “We have to decide if we are fighters or quitters and I’m going to make sure that we turn into fighters before next week.” 

Thanks to a successful regular season and a crucial win against Henderson County on the road on October 8, Apollo will play host to the Colonels in their district matchup next Friday. A win would likely mean a rematch with Daviess County on November 12, something Eagles fans will be itching to see. 

Though the season did not end on a positive note, Edge and his staff have enjoyed a quality season of football, thanks to the savvy play of Christian Combs, Donte Dixon, and the rest of their teammates. Now, with the season on the line, the time has come for the Apollo Eagles to break out of their slump and come up big in front of their home fans next week. The district game is scheduled for a 7:00 PM start time.

October 29, 2021 | 12:03 am

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