By Scott Reece

The Patrick County football team scored a home victory with in a shutout game against rival North Stokes 23-0.

Playing on a Wednesday due to the expected bad weather, the Cougars routed the Vikings as they dominated all phases of the game.

Early in the 1st quarter, Aiden LaComa blocked a North Strokes punt that was recovered by teammate Bryson Fulcher. A few plays later, QB Frankie LaComa scored on an 8-yard run to give the Cougars an early 7-0 lead. That would be all the points Cougars would need because the defense completely shut down the Vikings’ offense throughout the game as neither team scored the rest of the half; however the Cougars broke the game wide open in the second half.

The Cougars’ defense scored a safety early in the third quarter that made the score 9-0 and gave the ball back to the Cougars’ offense. A few plays later, WR Chase Jessup ran untouched for a 39 yard touchdown, and RB Dae’ Shawn Penn, who had set up the touchdown with a long run of his own, scored the 2 point conversion to make the score 17-0.

Midway in the fourth quarter, the Vikings’ last chance to get back into the game ended when CB Chris Drewery intercepted a long pass and returned it midfield. Backup QB Will Sprowl, playing for an injured LaComa, scored the final touchdown making the score 23-0. Despite losing a number of starters, the Cougars had won their first game of the season.

Head Coach David Morrison praised the efforts of his backup players who “step in and step up.” He said the team needed to execute better offensively, but they were getting a lot better. Morrison was very pleased with RB Penn, who was clearly the best player on the field, saying he is turning into a “fantastic player” and also was proud of his defense.

The Cougars will be home on Friday, hosting Piedmont rival Magna Vista.