South Warren opened the 2016 season the same way it opened 2015, in the Rafferty’s Bowl at Smith Stadium on the campus of Western Kentucky University. The opponent wasn’t the same, as Monroe County and new head coach Billy Joe Murphy played the role of villain in Week 1. South Warren wasn’t the same across the field, but in a few key spots, the veterans flexed their muscle.
It rained most of the afternoon, but at kickoff, the sun had broken through. The damp stuff would fall during the game, but not at the torrential downpour levels many feared in the lead-up to the 5 PM start.
1:12 into the matchup, Jack Willey tackled Monroe County QB Tyler Mink in the endzone, taking advantage of a bad snap, and giving SWHS a 2-0 lead on a safety. On the very next play, CJ Hayes went 59 yards on an end-around, and in less than two game minutes, it was 9-0 South Warren.
Last year’s Spartans defense only surrendered six points per contest, but, despite obvious talent, this is a different unit. Mink found Braxton Walker for a 72 yard reception, as he flipped the ball over a linebacker who believed he was going to keep it and run for the first down. That set up a Tucker England one yard touchdown run, then England scampered into the left corner of the end zone to make it 9-8 on the two point conversion.
From that point forward, though it was a sloppy game, South Warren imposed its will. If there was a negative to be found, it was in the Spartan penalties, which kept Falcon drives alive and wiped several big gains off the board for Litten and the offense. Luckily for South Warren fans, he wouldn’t need very much help.
Ryder Litten threw for over 200 yards in the first half, and though he wasn’t part of any second half scores, he finished with three passing touchdowns and two on the ground. CJ Hayes caught a 54 yard score in the final minute of the half, which pushed the lead to 44-8. Litten and Hayes were named Co-Players of the Game on the offensive side.
Monroe County would score one more time, as England ran the ball in from three yards, but South Warren’s backup quarterbacks, Cameron Harrison and Isaac Young, both ran the pigskin into the end zone to add to the lead. The running clock began just before intermission, which led to a speedy second half.
South Warren won easily, but the penalties and some of the miscommunications will no doubt be major topics in practice this upcoming week. The Spartans host Apollo on Friday night in the home opener. Kickoff is set for 7 PM from SWHS.
FINAL: SOUTH WARREN 56, MONROE COUNTY 14
POG: Ryder Litten (5 TDs), CJ Hayes (2 TDs), Jack Willey (Safety, Sack)
