Benjamin Maxwell
Special to the Enquirer

VINEMONT – Brewer’s (0-5) offense struggled to keep pace with Vinemont (4-1) during the Eagle’s homecoming matchup on Friday.

The Patriots’ defense did all that it could to slow the Eagles picking up two turnovers for it’s offense, however it was the Brewer offense that failed to finish drives with points.

Brendon Deberry runs against Vinemont. | Benjamin Maxwell

“We have a process of lack of confidence and it showed in the inability to finish drives,” said Brewer head coach Dan Styles.

“Defensively we had a good plan going in and it worked when the kids went in and did what they were supposed to do. Offensively we struggled with a lack of confidence across the board. We’re easily deflated. It’s going to take a catalyst to get our minds right. It’s almost a plague at this point. We’ll go back to work on Monday to get better.”

The Brewer kickoff return team did what it could to setup the offense as the Patriots averaged all four returns to the 42 yard line, including a Brendon Deberry kick return to the 50-yard line in the fourth quarter.

Deberry set his team up with an opening kick return to the Brewer 40 yard line, as well as a 14-yard carry on the first play from scrimmage. However, the Brewer offense gave up its first turnover on downs on the Vinemont 46-yard line after a fake punt attempt.

Vinemont hit the scoreboard first on its opening drive with a 37-yard touchdown carry from senior Ty Jones. Taylor Evans failed extra point attempt kept the score to 6-0.

The Patriot offensive woes continue through the first half with two more turnovers on downs and an interception in the end zone by Vinemont.

Brewer’s defense held its ground in the first half, stopping the Eagles on three straight drives including a fumble recovery by James Daugette on the Vinemont 40-yard line and returning it to the 34-yard line.

Vinemont struck once more with a 48-yard touchdown carry by Ty Jones to give them a 13-0 lead at halftime.

The third quarter belonged to the Patriots defense. Brewer picked up another Vinemont fumble on the first drive and continued to hold throughout the quarter even making a stop on fourth-and-inches on the Brewer one-yard line.

However, it was the Eagles that made the final statement in the fourth quarter with sophomore Tyler Johnson carrying for a 12-yard touchdown. Duncan Hopper connected to Troy Steele on the fake point after attempt to give Vinemont the 21-0 lead.

Brewer did establish a strong offensive showing in the fourth quarter with Weston Pritchett returning from injury to lead his team at quarterback. Pritchett connected to Nicholas Humphries, Brendon Deberry and James Daugette on three consecutive passes totaling 26 yards. But Pritchett failed to complete the following four attempts leaving the Patriots scoreless.

“Weston took a good bit of snaps,” Styles said. “It was a great sign of courage from him. He’s based with the decision knowing that each play could be his last. He’s extremely courageous. If we had eleven like him on both sides we would be in good shape.

Brewer, still looking for a victory, now returns home to host regional foe Columbia.

“This definitely tests your faith in yourself, especially as a coach,” said Styles.

“We have a lot of mountains to climb before we can do the things we’re capable of doing. For the second week in a row, we showed signs of life but failed at the first signs of adversity. Keeping the kids heads up will be the toughest task. We have some opportunities to bounce back in the next couple weeks, we just have to do a good job of preparing and get them believing that they can win games.”