By David Perry
Special to The Leader
Entering Thursday night, Brighton was looking to start a winning streak in Cordova facing White Station, who does not have a home field. After curb-stomping Kingsbury last week, they had high energy from the first whistle.
“They knew what was coming,” head coach Keith Setler stated after his team dropped to the Spartans 21-14, “They prepared well. That’s what I saw in those guys.”
And that’s what they did, kept high energy, showed good fight, and made big plays early in the game, but couldn’t pull out the win. A last second quarterback touchdown run from Kaleb Spurill gave the Spartans the edge in the end.
“We made plays that we knew we could make,” Setler stated, “Didn’t make enough plays.”
“…we didn’t stop them when it counted,” he added.
Opening up, it was a no-score game with both teams performing huge defensive efforts including an early interception by junior Timon Thompson, but White Station scored with 4:12 before halftime.
After a hasty turnover from the Cardinals, the Spartans attempted to take a two-possession lead from the four-yard line until Jonathan Matthews recovered a fumble and went 99 yards seconds before half.
Big plays continued for Brighton after forcing a three and out for the Spartans and Thompson broke a tackle for a 88-yard pass touchdown.
Unfortunately, shortly after, struggles on offense started growing.
With the ball in their hand with 9:18 left in game, Brighton had full control, but couldn’t convert a score and turned the tables to White Station.
“Our offense is going to look at this film and see so many missed opportunities out there. They’re going to be sick to their stomach when they see this film.” Setler said.
Spurill managed to score two to seal the game and Brighton walked out of Memphis with only one win under their belt this season.
“We just got to continue what we’re doing and do it better and learn how to finish when you have opportunities.” Setler reflected.
Cay’den Young was 4-8 on passing with 129 yards and a touchdown. Elijah Cunningham had a huge 30-yard reception.
Even with fall break this week, the Cardinals are going hard at practice each day as they prepare for “the school down the road” (Munford). Cougars might be coming off a stupendous stretch of games with wins over Haywood and Whitehaven, but all that is out the window when it’s a rivalry game.
“I look forward to that matchup,” Setler expressed. “We’re going to continue our motto: We’re not running from anybody. These kids are going to be up. You don’t have to do anything. They’re playing friends and it’s a rivalry game.”
“We just got to continue what we’re doing and do it better and learn how to finish when you have opportunities,” he added.
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