Potosi, Mo. (KFMO) – The Fredericktown Blackcats defense built on the strength of senior linemen Maddox Knepper, Parker Oatman, and Mason Montgomery to beat the Potosi Trojans 20-12 in Week 3.
Knepper sacked Trojan QB David Miller for a seven yard loss resulting in third down and long, which led to an incomplete pass and turnover on downs with under ten seconds left to secure the victory.
That play highlighted Knepper’s night as the Blackcat defense held Potosi to just 168 total yards, only 50-yards on the ground.
Connor McMinn picked off an errant throw two minutes into the game and six plays later the Cats were on the board. John Norwood, on his third carry of the drive, found the end zone from four yards out. The ensuing two-point conversion was a success and Fredericktown carried an 8-0 lead into the second quarter.
A Potosi drive that begin with 2:40 left in the first stalled with 8:24 to go in the second quarter. Fredericktown took over on their own 22 yard line and marched down the field.
On the 12th play of the drive Blackcats QB Cole Starkey kept it himself two yards out for a keeper and a score. Fredericktown led 14-0 after an unsuccessful two-point play.
On the ensuing drive, Miller found Blayne Maxwell for a 23-yard passing touchdown as time expired. Lyric Wilson was called upon for the two-point conversion but the rush attempt was no good and Fredericktown entered intermission up 14-6.
Both sides struggled to find rhythm in the third quarter.
Potosi’s first drive of the fourth quarter was thwarted on the Fredericktown 12. Four plays later Potosi’s Rhenn Mapes intercepted a pass and was brought down at the three yard line.
Carter Pyatt scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown, but again Fredericktown stopped a two-point conversion with the lead 14-12.
The Trojans lined up for an on-side kick only for it to be recovered by Fredericktown. Starkey added on with another rushing touchdown.
Fredericktown collected just 151 offensive yards unofficially.
The Blackcats (2-1, 1-0) host Valle Catholic on Friday, while Potosi (2-1, 0-1) travel to Ste. Genevieve.