Campbell looks good against South-Doyle at KOC Kickoff Classic

Cougars score two touchdowns and recover a fumble in win

TOP PHOTO: Defensive Coordinator Matt Price talks with defensive back Blake Albright.

Story by Clayton Carroll; photos courtesy of Matthew Moore

KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County Cougars traveled to Hardin Valley Academy on Friday night to participate in the KOC Kickoff Classic against the South-Doyle Cherokees.

Campbell started off its first drive on the Cougar 35 by handing the ball off to running back Keagon Cowan. On the opening possession, Cowan had three carries and was responsible for two first downs. Landen Hensley would get to show off his arm as he would find Gavin Owens 41 yards downfield, which would set up Owens to run it into the end zone from the three on the very next play. Rylan Sanders would hit the PAT to put the Cougars up 7-0. South-Doyle would respond, however, finding the end zone in three plays, tying the game at seven.

On Campbell’s second drive, we saw much of the same as the first drive. Cowan got things started with a 12-yard rush. Later on in the drive, the Cougars were faced with a 4^th down situation. Hensley would hand the ball off to Gavin Owens who would rush for a first down. Then, it was time for Hensley to show off his arm once again. He found Owens 29 yards down field for a touchdown. Campbell would once again make the PAT going up 14-7. And that is where the score would stay. On their next possession the Cherokees would only get to run five plays before Eli Dorton forced and recovered a fumble. Campbell would hand the ball off to Tiras McCulley three times, before Hensley would take a knee to run out the clock. 

Unofficially, Tiras McCulley was tops on the ground for the Orange-n-Blue with 31 yards on three carries, and Keagon Cowen rushed for 26 yards on four attempts. Gavin Owens tallied 15 yards on three carries with a rushing touchdown. As a team, Campbell totaled 72 yards on the ground.

Through the air, junior quarterback Landen Hensley was 7 of 8 for 91 yards and a touchdown. Gavin Owens led the receivers with five receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, giving him a touchdown on the ground and through the air. Timmy Gibson had one reception for four yards, and K.J. Chadwell had a two-yard catch.

After the game, I spoke with Defense Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach, Matt Price who expressed that he was very proud of the team and its effort. He mentioned that doing well in a game-like situation was exciting being so close to the regular season. He also spoke about the balance of the offense. He said, “We’re experienced at quarterback and offensive line.” He went on to praise the offensive line further, mentioning their strength and size. Coach said that since the team has such an experienced quarterback and O-line, they can just take what the defense gives them, on the ground or via the air.

Campbell starts its season on Thursday, August 17, at Halls with a kickoff time of 7pm. Les Martin and Brent Allen will send you all the coverage beginning at 6:30pm over WLAF’s 10 media outlets including FM 100.9 WLAF Radio and YouTube. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/14/2023-6AM)