Herculaneum Wins The Battle Of The Blackcats

(Fredericktown) Herculaneum traveled to Blackcat Valley and defeated Fredericktown in a slugfest 22-14. However, it was Fredericktown that struck first blood. After the special teams created a safety, Fredericktown Junior QB Carter Cheney used the truck stick to power in a rushing touchdown.

Herky struggled to get the offense going in the first half but was driving before halftime and reached the red zone. Fredericktown picked off Jackson Dearing in the endzone and nearly returned it for a pick-six. However, the defender stumbled at the nine. Fredericktown’s offense wouldn’t punch it in sending us into halftime with Fredericktown leading 8-0.

The offense picked up in the second half though, as Herculaneum would score their first possession of the half.

Fredericktown responded right back with a huge run from Garrett Marler.

In the 4th quarter, Herculaneum would put together a good drive behind the legs of Senior QB Jackson Dearing, but on a 4th and goal on the 1 yard-line, Fredericktown got a stop by keeping Dearing out of the endzone. Fredericktown’s offense wouldn’t gain a first-down after the goal-line stand and was forced to punt deep in their own territory. Before the fourth down play, Cheney, an all-state punter, came off the field after an apparent injury. The ensuing punt from the backup traveled only 25 yards. Herky would set up shop at the Fredericktown 26 and immediately scored.

With less than two minutes to go, Herculaneum got the ball back after forcing another punt. On a 3rd at 16, Dearing threw it up to Lucas Bahr, and Bahr made the play of the game.

Fredericktown had one more chance to tie up the game, but senior Logan Petri read the eyes of backup QB Nolan Holland to seal the win for Herky.

Herky head coach Blane Boss says his senior QB willed his team to victory.

Herculaneum improves to 2-0 for the first time since 2011 and will face Jefferson next week at home. Fredericktown falls to 1-1 and hosts Valle Catholic.

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