Rebels defeat Pendleton in rain delay

By Dan Logan
NH Contributing Writer

— Photo by MAGGIE WILLIAMS
An Owen County Rebel slips out of the grasp of a Jackson County General in last week’s Homecoming game. The Rebels met Pendleton Friday night but the game was delayed because of the weather. It was completed Monday night and the Rebels won, 19-13.

It may have taken two separate nights to get the job done, but the Owen County Rebels rallied to defeat the Pendleton County Wildcats 19-13. The game that started on Friday night was suspended shortly into the second half as heavy lightning and rain filled the skies. At the 9:49 mark in the third quarter Owen County was down by a score of 7-0, but was knocking on the door. The Rebels had the ball deep in the Wildcats side of the field at the 19 yard line. That’s when several bolts of lightning ripped through the sky. After an hour delay it was decided by both teams to suspend the game and resume on Monday night.
Returning on Monday, Owen County would take the field where they left off, but this time with one less player. Senior quarterback Dustin Curtis was not able to dress after suffering injuries sustained from an accident over the weekend. The Rebels were suddenly faced with adversity, but turned it into an emotional lift as they quickly set the tone for the night.
After three quick offensive plays, it was senior Patrick Hensley completing a 12-yard pass to junior Josh Slone for the Rebels’ first touchdown. Hensley had a solid night completing two passes (one for a touchdown) and rushing for 141 yards. Owen County, pumped with intensity, then faked an extra point kick. Senior Jimmy Dalton completed a two-point conversion to Slone giving the Rebels an 8-7 lead and the momentum.
The Wildcats fought right back, driving the ball down the field and scoring. Lady luck bounced Pendleton County’s way as their quarterback fumbled the ball around the 10 yard line only to be recovered by another Wildcat in the end zone. The Rebels knew this was going to be a dog fight and had to reach deep down to find an answer. That answer came as Pendleton County picked up a costly personal foul giving the Rebels great field position.
Owen County took advantage of the mistake pounding the ball down the field. Then late in the third quarter it was Slone again, this time for a 5-yard touchdown run. Slone had a strong night scoring twice and rushing for 85 yards. Only up by one, the Rebels tried another two-point conversion and this time it was sophomore quarterback Jordan Cox with a 3 yard pass to Dalton. The extra point was good and the Rebels took a 16-13 lead.
The fourth quarter was all Owen County defense as the Rebels held the Wildcats scoreless. Jimmy Dalton led the Rebels’ defense with an impressive 12 tackles (three of those tackles for losses), three assists, and one interception preventing a Wildcat score. Towards the end of the game, Owen County mounted one more drive and with just over six minutes to go it was senior Jordan Downey capitalizing on a 37-yard field goal.
But the game was far from being over as Pendleton put together one last surge A big run from the Wildcats’ quarterback put them in scoring position. With their backs to the wall the Rebels’ defense was called upon to make one more stop. And that is exactly what they did. The Rebels’ defense sacked Pendleton’s quarterback four straight times giving the ball back to Owen County and sealing the victory.
After the game, all the Owen County coaches praised the kids on a tremendous effort that was filled with an overwhelming amount of emotion. Head coach Greg Ulasiewicz also praised his coaching staff for their hard work preparing this team and getting a great victory. “Defense wins games and coaches Don Allnutt and Brian Young have worked hard to make the kids believe,” he said. “Coach Ken Hockensmith has been an asset helping with the offensive scheme and made key calls during the game. Coach Dave Downey does an excellent job preparing the kicking team and Coach T.J. Wesselman not only helps with the quarterbacks but manages the side lines and the special teams. This staff dedicates themselves every day to bring our team together. We are a family.”
Owen County improves their record to 3-3 and will begin district play this Friday at home against the undefeated Danville Admirals.

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