STAFF REPORT
WATERTOWN — For the better part of regulation on Friday night, the Cascade Champions held their own against non-region foe Watertown.
Hoping to pick up their second-straight win after blistering cross-county rival Community a week ago, the Cascade Champions toed the line and held their defensive footing against the Purple Tigers.
But a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns was more than Cascade could overcome in a 20-3 loss at Watertown.
Offensively, it was a struggle for the Champions, who were held to negative rushing yards and just 47 yards through the air.
Jesse Bratcher put the hosts on the board with a 1-yard run with 7:23 left in the first frame.
Cascade cut into the lead in the second quarter on a 29-yard field goal with 9:29 left in the half to cut the Purple Tiger lead to 7-3.
Prior to the field goal by Perez, Christian Casey came away with a clutch interception on the Purple Tiger 5-yard line, but three-straight runs failed to break the end zone, resulting in Perez’ kick.
That score held until Garrett Davis found the end zone on an 9-yard run early in the fourth.
He added a second score of the night in the fourth quarter later on.
With 1:26 to go, he padded the Purple Tiger lead on an 11-yard run, which ultimately proved to be the final score.
Braxtyn Burris came away with a second interception for the Champs in the fourth quarter and returned the ball to the Watertown 23.
Aided by a late hit penalty, the Champs took over at the Purple Tigers’ 12, but was again unable to capitalize with a drive that ultimately ended in an interception.
Cascade returns travel to Forrest for the Region 4-2A opener on Friday night in Chapel Hill.
Cascade 0 3 0 0 – 3
Watertown 7 0 0 13 – 20
First Quarter
W —Jesse Bratcher 1 run (Brody Osborne kick), 7:23.
Second quarter
C — Gabe Perez 29 field goal, 8:58.
Fourth quarter
W — Garrett Davis 9 run (Osborne kick), 11:24.
W — Davis 11 run (Run failed), 1:26.
