Chester County quarterback Cayden Crabb carries the ball against Dyer County on Thursday night. The sophomore started in place of Grayson Stewart and scored on a fourth-quarter keeper to give the Eagles a 15-13 lead. Chester County fell 20-15. Photo by Brittany Lewis
Chester County had its chances Thursday night, but turnovers near the goal line proved costly in a 20-15 region loss at Dyer County.
Playing without starting quarterback Grayson Stewart, who was in concussion protocol, the Eagles turned to sophomore Cayden Crabb. Chester County moved the ball throughout the night, but two promising possessions ended with fumbles inside the Dyer County 5-yard line.
The Eagles struck first on a touchdown run by Izaiah Armstrong early in the second quarter. Brayden Harrison added the extra point to give Chester County a 7-0 lead.
Dyer County answered with a long touchdown run, but the extra-point attempt was caught in the end zone by Blake Haltom. The Eagles carried a 7-6 lead into halftime.
Chester County added to its advantage in the third quarter after Harrison’s punt pinned Dyer County near its own goal line. Sawyer Evans and Ethan Talley brought down the ball carrier in the end zone for a safety, extending the lead to 9-6.
Haltom also intercepted two passes during the game, repeatedly giving the Eagles opportunities to build on their lead. Chester County, however, was unable to turn those takeaways into points.
Dyer County moved ahead 13-9 on a touchdown with 8:46 remaining in the game, but the Eagles answered. Jay Brown broke a long run to the 1-yard line, and Crabb scored on a quarterback keeper on the following play. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Chester County with a 15-13 lead.
The advantage did not last. Dyer County found the end zone again and added the extra point with 3:39 remaining to take a 20-15 lead.
Chester County moved into Dyer County territory on its final possession, but the drive ended with an incomplete pass on fourth-and-12. The Choctaws then ran out the remaining time to secure the victory.
The loss was the fourth in a row for Chester County after a 3-0 start. The Eagles, now 3-4, will travel to South Side next Friday for another region matchup.
