Maconaquah Schools

The Carroll Cougars scored two touchdowns in the second quarter Monday night and then hung on to claim a 12-6 win over the Maconaquah Braves in junior varsity action. The Braves are now 0-1 to start the year. Maconaquah's defense controlled the first quarter, forcing a pair of Cougar turnovers. Davian Rutledge struck first with a 64-yard interception return to paydirt that was negated by a penalty. Carroll's second drive late in the period ended when Layten Ringeisen-Kidwell forced a fumble with 1:16 left. Carroll took advantage of a MHS fumble to start the second quarter, getting the ball at the Mac 22. It took the Cougars only five plays to score from a yard out, taking a 6-0 lead. Freshman Colt Johnson set up Maconaquah's next scoring opportunity with a nice 32-yard return on the ensuing kickoff. Aided by a Cougar late hit on the return, the young Braves were in business at the Carroll 26. The promising drive ended at the Cougar 31 on fourth down when Leevi Jackson's long pass was broken up in the endzone. RyLee Peach personally stopped Carroll's next drive with a big fourth down tackle. Maconaquah moved to the Carroll 40 before a Brave pass was intercepted on a third-and 10 and returned 58 yards for a touchdown and a Cougar 12-0 lead with 2:54 left in the half. The Braves had two more late possessions, but fumbled on their first try and then ran out of time as the half ended. Maconaquah controlled third quarter action, taking the opening kick and moving into Carroll territory before being forced to punt after eating up 6:42 of clock. After a 76-yard TD pass was called back, the Cougars were pinned deep in their own territory at their own 14. Forcing Carroll to punt on fourth down, the Braves pressured the kicker out of bounds, taking over only eight yards from paydirt. After Bentley Couch carried to the one, Carroll's defense stiffened and Mac was facing a fourth-and-goal at the one. QB Jackson called his own number from there and went in untouched, cutting the deficit to 12-6 with 8:47 left in the contest. Maconaquah got one final chance to tie or take the lead when Peach recovered the ensuing kick in Carroll territory at the 48 yard line. A Jackson-to Johnson fourth down pass came up six yards short and the visiting Cougars ate up the last 6:38 to leave with the win. Maconaquah's unbeaten varsity team will open Three Rivers conference play at home Friday night vs Northfield.