Eagles fall short against Irish, focus on Cleveland

Rhea County suffered a 40-16 loss against nationally ranked Cathedral Fightin’ Irish at Bill Horton Field this past Friday.

It was the second time in as many years the Eagles took their medicine in preparation for a  district laden run preceding the playoffs.  It paid off last year with a trip to the state 5A semifinals.

“I thought we battled the whole way,” said Eagles coach Mark Pemberton.  “I’m proud of them for that.  We just made way too many mistakes”

“That team just has so many athletes, it’s hard to pin them all up.”

Cathedral’s standout quarterback, Quincy Keller, connected with Luke Sanders for four of the Irish’s six touchdowns.

“We knew it was gonna be difficult coming in,” admitted Golden Eagle senior Eddie Davis.  “It’s just a learning experience against a really good team.”

Davis was Zack Pemberton’s favorite target on the night with three receptions for 89 yards including a 45-yard strike in the final quarter which he capped off with an 8-yard run.

The loss dropped the Eagles from 4th to 7th in state 5A rankings where they’re now tied with Farragut.  The Eagles enjoy a bye-week this week where Pemberton says he hopes, “we’ll get healed up and ready to make a stretch run”.

After the break, the Eagles travel to play long-time district rival, Cleveland Blue Raiders, on October 7.