With a lot of new faces in key places for the Purples, Bowling Green took to the field at Houchens Smith Stadium for the Rafferty’s Bowl. They would face a Monroe County team with a lot of size and a lot of experience, but the Purples speed was able to catch them off guard from the start.
After forcing a three-and-out on the first Falcon drive, the Purples would use a hurry up offense to keep the defense on their toes. After taking a few minutes off the clock, Jamele Carothers would carry it in from three yards out for the first score of the game. It wouldn’t be too long before Carothers would strike again, as the next drive ended with a 59 yard run up the left side. The second quarter would start off with a fumble recovery by DeCarlo Halcomb, who broke through the line and essentially took the handoff from Monroe County’s quarterback. Two minutes later, Clark Payne would score his first TD of the regular season, finding DeAngelo Wilson for 12 yards and the score. The defense also got in on the scoring in the first half, as Griffin Cline picked off a pass from Lincoln Arnett, and ran it all the way home for six. The Purples would miss on the PAT attempt due to an early snap, but Lee Ramsey would notch a field goal late in the half to put the Purples up 30-0 at the break.
Within the first minute of the third quarter, new QB Clark Payne would find DeAngelo Wilson once again, this time for 65 yards and another score, and the running clock was on. Beau Buchanon would step in at QB for the Purples late in the game, and he also notched a TD pass, finding Luke Brown for the 16 yard play. Monroe County would not go empty handed though, as Lincoln Arnett found Michael Dyer late in the game for a 66 yard Touchdown. The Purples would cruise to victory, with a final score of 44-7. Griffin Cline was named the defensive MVP, and Clark Payne, DeAngelo Wilson, and Jamele Carothers shared Offensive MVP honors.
Bowling Green Hits the road next week, taking on regional foe Christian County in the Jerry Claiborne Bowl. Early start as we kick off at 5:30. You can catch all the action right here on SportingTimesMagazine.com!
