Greenville unable to overcome Texas High at home
October 16, 2010

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

Greenville football coach Chawn Cooper gave his Lions an inspirational lift with his presence on the sidelines following his recent surgery.

But the Lions were still no match for the Texarkana Texas High Tigers, who breezed to a 45-6 victory in a District 13-4A contest on Friday night at T.A. "Cotton" Ford Stadium.

Cooper, who underwent hernia surgery on Wednesday, as at his usual spot on the sidelines though moving more slowly and gingerly than normal.

"I feel great," said Cooper. "I just feel bad for my kids. We can't get a win."

The loss kept the Lions winless for the season at 0-7 and also winless in District 13-4A play at 0-3.

Texas High, which outgained the Lions 431-157 in total yardage, improved to 5-3 and 3-1.

Texas High wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Kody Sutton raced 59 yards for a touchdown on the Tigers' first play from scrimmage.

Texas High also scored on its second possession, covering 88 yards in eight plays. Tiger quarterback Levi Saxby was 3-of-3 for 77 yards on the drive. After connecting with Joseph Thurmon for 44 yards on one completion, Saxby lofted a 22-yard scoring strike to Thurmom again for the touchdown.

Greenville stopped Texas High on its next possession as freshman defensive back Oshay Carter recovered a Tiger fumble at the Texas High 48.

Texas High took its next three possessions in for touchdowns to build a 35-0 halftime lead.

The Tigers went 62 yards in four plays, including a 42-yard completion from Saxby to Brandon Welch. Jonathan Hunt, wearing No. 99, brought back memories of former Chicago Bear William "Refrigerator" Perry with his 3-yard plunge for the touchdown. Hunt's a 6-1, 282-pound sophomore.

Texas High also moved 78 yards in just three plays. Saxby fired a 41-yard completion to Welch, then Sutton ran nine and 28 yards, with the 28-yarder, with the 28-yarder counting for the touchdown with 5:23 left before the half.

A 4-yard Greenville punt set up the Tigers for a 14-yard drive. Backup quarterback Austin White ran in from a yard for the touchdown. Michael Stanley converted on his fifth straight extra point.

Texas High upped the lead to 42-0 with a two-play, 40-yard drive that featured the running of Caleb Adams, who scampered in from 22 yards.

William Meredith's fumble recovery at the Greenville 33 set up the Tigers' final score, a 25-yard field goal by Stanley.

The Lions avoided the shutout with a 70-yard, 10-play drive in the fourth quarter. Greenville mixed the running of running back Alfred Champion, quarterback Mikey Riskey and running back Lajorian Harris before Champion capped the drive with a 3-yard run. Omar Espinoza's extra point try sailed wide to the left.

Harris led the Lions with 42 yards on seven carries, while Champion added 36 yards on 14 rushes and Riskey finished with 22 yards on 10 carries.

Riskey was also 5-of-9 passing for 52 yards and Jeffro Davis led the receivers with three catches for 29 yards.

"They played hard," said Cooper. "We just need to get more kids back. It's hard to play 4A ball with just 25 kids."

Sutton topped the Texas High rushers with 136 yards on 11 carries.

Saxby was 6-of-6 for 169 yards.

"We just hope to get our program where theirs is," said Cooper.