Patriots pick up 1st win of the season

By Staff
Brewer defense holds up strong in 4th quarter of 9-6 win over West Point
Matt Widener, Enquirer Correspondent
It took more than a few scattered thunderstorms and rain-filled clouds to keep Brewer’s fans from showing up to see the Patriots’ first win of 2006. Brewer’s defense stood strong in the second half as the Patriots held on to defeat West Point 9-6.
The Patriots were fired up to face West Point, the team that Brewer’s coach Billy Coleman coached at before taking over the Patriots.
The key play came with one minute to go in the game, when Brewer’s Eric Parker intercepted a pass from Stewart Williams and returned it 30 yards to secure the victory for the Patriots.
The teams traded punts and ended the first quarter with a scoreless defensive struggle. With 10 minutes to go in the second quarter, Miles Cloer sacked Williams in the end zone to score a safety and give Brewer a 2-0 lead. The free kick was returned by Brewer’s Nathan Sharp to the 50-yard line. Tony Dickerson took over at quarterback for the Patriots and moved the ball to the Warriors’ 30 yard line.
With six minutes to go in the first half, Brewer was faced with a fourth-and-goal situation. Dickerson connected with Parker for a 5-yard touchdown and the extra point was good by Ben Maxwell giving Brewer a 9-0 lead, an advantage that held until halftime.
The second half of the game was slowed down and not as much action took place. During the third quarter Williams was able to sneak in a touchdown for West Point. The extra point attempt failed after a high snap.
The third quarter ended with a score of 9-6 with the Patriots on top. Brewer had the ball starting the fourth quarter, but had to punt away quickly to the Warriors.
West Point took over on its 45-yard line and was held by the Patriots defense, resulting in a punt for the Warriors.
With six minutes to go in the game, Lucas Wilson hit Sharp down the field for a long pass reception good for a first down. The Patriots’ drive stalled when they faced a fourth-and-long on the Warriors’ 25-yard line. Brewer went for it on fourth down and the pass was incomplete giving the Warriors one last chance with the ball on the West Point 25.
Brewer was charged with a roughing the passer penalty, giving West Point a 15-yard gain to the Brewer 40. Parker’s interception a few plays later sealed the win for Brewer.
The Patriots improve to 1-3 on the season and will try to win their second straight game as they travel to play Hayden (1-3) Friday night in a non-region game.