Falcons Post Shutout

October 23, 2021  
By Dean Harrell  
For East Alabama Sports Today  

Donoho snaps six-game losing streak with first shutout since season opener, blanking TCC 39-0

The Donoho Falcons have been seeking a win for quite some time. Ever since their season-opening shutout of Pleasant Valley. It has been a long season. Going against tough opponents while fighting several injuries has put the Falcons in a tough spot all season long.

They were finally able to get in the win column Friday after cruising to a 39-0 victory over Talladega County Central. 

“It feels excellent. Our guys have worked so hard and they deserved a win,” Falcons head coach Mark Sanders said. “They’ve been through a lot of adversity this year and seeing them celebrate and have smiles on their faces is a great feeling.”

The Falcons (2-6, 1-5) were able to get out to an early lead with running back Lucas Elliott returning the opening kickoff 78 yards for the first score of the game. That momentum carried throughout the rest of the first quarter as the Falcons scored three more times, including a touchdown run by Elliott, for a 27-0 lead.

“We took care of executing our plays without doing anything special,” wide receiver Grant Steed said. “We went through our gameplan play by play and everyone was on the same page all night.”

The Falcons defense was spectacular as well, forcing three fumbles and giving the offense great field position to work with throughout the game. Donoho limited TCC (0-8, 0-6) to only 145 total yards along with allowing only four first downs throughout the first half.

“We had a good scheme going into the game,” defensive tackle Judson Billings said. “Our coaches broke the plays down really well and we knew their game plan well.”

“We had a good film session this week and Coach Sanders and Coach K (defensive coordinator Karl Harris) prepared us well tonight,” said Elliott. “Our starters were able to come out strong and stop them, and our subs came in and backed us up, too.”

The Falcon offense put on a scoring show after being shut out in its last two games.

Quarterback Ridge Hopkins finished his short night with two touchdown passes in only five attempts, along with a rushing touchdown. Backup quarterback Will Folsom took the reins during the second quarter and the majority of the second half and threw a touchdown pass to Sam Johnson.

The 39 points were the most they scored in a game since beating Appalachian 51-6 on Oct. 25, 2019.

“Our offensive line was playing well all night and we had our skill players step up and make some big plays,” said Billings.

“Late in the season, everyone has started to understand where they need to be during every play,” said Steed, who scored two touchdowns in the game. “Our timing was great all night, our line was pushing upfield well, and our running backs were also playing well.”

After this win the Falcons wrap up their region play and are looking to end their regular season on a high note against Westbrook Christian next week. 

Donoho 39, TCC 0

D — Lucas Elliott 78 yard kick return (Grant Steed kick) 11:43 1Q
D — Grant Steed 8 yard rush (PAT failed) 9:02 1Q
D — Grant Steed 12 pass from Ridge Hopkins (Sam Johnson kick), 4:39 1Q
D — Lucas Elliott 27 pass from Ridge Hopkins (Sam Johnson kick), 1:08 1Q
D — Sam Johnson 12 pass from Will Folsom (PAT failed), 8:23 2Q
D — Ridge Hopkins 9 run (conversion failed), 4:23 3Q