It was a classic Carter County clash at Orr Field.
Cloudland picked up an 8-7 victory over Happy Valley on Friday night in a defensive clash where points were at a premium. The win snapped a 3-game losing streak to the Warriors.
Cloudland improved to 4-1 with the win, while Happy Valley fell to 2-3.
In a quick first quarter, neither team was able to find the endzone as both squads traded possessions. Happy Valley was able to strike first after jumping on a punt that hit a CHS defender. That turnover set the Warriors up inside the CHS 40, and Eli Ayers hit Bryce Carter for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Michael Harrah added the extra point to give HV a 7-0 lead with just over eight minutes to play.
The ‘Landers, however, wasted no time in answering.
Cloudland marched down the field methodically, and Jordan Coffey scored on a 14-yard run. On the two-point conversion, Josh Blair caught a Malachi Benfield pass to give CHS an 8-0 lead.
After the teams traded possessions, HV had a chance to take the lead, but a field goal was ruled no good as CHS maintained an 8-7 lead at the break
In the third quarter, the teams traded possessions – including a missed HV FG that was just shy of the crossbar – as neither offense was able to get back in the end zone. The final quarter saw HV drive into CHS territory, but was forced to punt with just over six minutes remaining. From there, Cloudland secured the win by sustaining a long drive – including a 38-yard run by Coffey.
Coffey finished 171 yards on 29 carries. Benfield was 6-of-8 passing for 79 yards.
For HV, Ayers was 7-of-16 with 85 yards passing. Carter finished with 59 yards receiving.
The ‘Landers now turn their attention to Unaka and Homecoming next Friday. Happy Valley is set to travel to Grace Christian.
For more pictures, click here.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”566″ gal_title=”09-22-18: Cloudland vs. HV”]
