Rabbs fall to Pirates in district action

By Tim Emmons
temmons@casscountynow.com

Atlanta finished pre-district play with a 4-1 record, but couldn’t find a solid rhythm as they fell to district foe Pittsburg by a score of 56-20 last Friday.

First Quarter
From the onset Pittsburg  used stout athleticism against the Rabbs as they marched 82 yards in 14 plays.
The point after was blocked but the Pirates were up 6-0 with 7:45 left in the first quarter.
Atlanta responded quickly with hard runs by running back Kelton Young and quarterback Layton Henson.
At one point Henson picked up 23 yards on a QB sprint and Young finished the drive with an 8-yard scramble over the goal line.
The PAT was no good and the score was tied 6-6 with 6:28 left in the first frame.
Atlanta couldn’t find an offensive groove for the rest of the quarter, but Pitt scored from the Rabbit 26 after an interception and four plays.
The successful PAT drove the score to 13-6 with 3:25 left in the opening quarter.
The quarter ended with the Pirates driving into Rabbit territory after a dropped punt and scoop was run for a first down to keep the drive going.

Second Quarter
Just a few plays into the new quarter and Pitt added another TD with 10:34 left in the first half.
The PAT boosted the score to 20-6.
Another interception stopped Atlanta’s next drive, and after a back-and-forth affair the Pirates added another score at the four minute mark.
The 2-point play made the score 28-6.
With a much needed big play, Trin Taylor took the ensuing kickoff down to the Pirate 5-yard line where Henson busted his way into the endzone.
The PAT made the score 28-13 with 3:34 left in the second stanza.
Atlanta’s defense was tested throughout the night and with a momentum changer a Pirate ball carrier took the next handoff 44 yards to the house.
The PAT increased the score to 35-13 with 2:47 left in the quarter.
Forty seven seconds later and the Rabbs were celebrating a TD which came on a drive which featured a 9-yard pass from Henson to Hunter Roberts, a 20-yard pass from Henson to Desmond Webster and a 23-yard run for a score by Jawan King.
The PAT pulled the Rabbs within 35-20.

Third Quarter
Atlanta opened the second half with the ball, but on third down of the drive the Pirates scored on a pick-6.
The PAT pushed the score to 42-20.
Atlanta had a few plays which could have resulted in scores but never materialized. 
Pittsburg scored once more before the third quarter ended, and with the PAT the score was 49-20.

Fourth Quarter
Just inside the final frame Atlanta recovered a fumble which could provide the spark they would need for a ferocious comeback, but that dies with a punt at the 9:15 mark.
Pitt scored again before the game ended.
The PAT finalized the score at 56-20.
Atlanta (0-1) hosts Pleasant Grove (0-1) this Friday night at 7:30 p.m.
Both teams enter the game with their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, especially with such a brutal lineup of district teams.