Unfortunately, Cloudland was unable to keep their hot streak alive in the second round of the TSSAA playoffs.
The ‘Landers dropped a 29-0 decision to Oliver Springs on Friday night at a chilly Orr Field. Cloudland had won four straight entering the night, and finished the 2019 campaign with a 6-6 record.
The first quarter didn’t go as Cloudland had planned.
Oliver Springs jumped out to a 7-0 lead after a lengthy opening drive that ended when Trey Boswell crossed the goal line from 12 yards out. After Cloudland fumbled on the ensuing kick, Boswell and the Bobcats took advantage to take a 14-0 lead nine minutes into the game.
Cloudland was able to settle things down as the ‘Landers marched into Oliver Springs territory with runs from Seth Birchfield and Hunter Shell. However, the drive stalled out eight an interception.
Senior Triston Lacy got the ball back as he took the ball away from a Bobcat receiver, but Cloudland was unable to get anything going. Oliver Springs added a late touchdown to take a 22-0 lead to the locker room.
Points came at a premium in the second half.
Cloudland opened the half by moving into Oliver Springs territory, but a fumble ended up in the Bobcats hands which set-up a short touchdown run. The ‘Landers continued to get some offense going but was unable to finish a promising drive after being stopped at the one-yard line.
Birchfield led the way for Cloudland with 21 carries for 93 yards, while Hunter Blair tallied 40 yards on the ground.
Shell was 7-of-25 passing and added 24 yards rushing. Gage McKinney ended the night with 40 receiving yards on five catches.
Boswell led Oliver Springs with 99 yards and three touchdowns.
As a team, Cloudland had four turnovers in the game and finished with 229 yards of offense. Oliver Springs finished with 269 offensive yards.