Benjamin Maxwell
Special to the Enquirer

SCOTTSBORO – Brewer (1-6) fell to Scottsboro (1-6) on Friday 57-20 in a disappointing turnaround loss following the Patriots first win in 15 games.

“The script of this game was written more before the game than the game itself,” said Brewer head coach Dan Styles.

“Our focus prior to the game was not where it needed to be and the kids know it. There are no excuses. Coming off of a win and with the history of what these kids have been through, I was afraid that there would be some contentment.”

Scottsboro, still looking for its first win of the season assembled an impressive opening drive in front of its homecoming crowd. The Wildcats’ rushing attack proved most effective throughout the entire game, especially in their first drive.

Scottsboro pounded the Brewer defense with its deep rushing attack for 40 consecutive yards before switching to the passing attack when quarterback Thomas Green connected on a swing pass for a 15-yard touchdown completion. The failed point after attempt left the Patriots only down 6-0.

Brewer answered back quickly on its opening drive with senior quarterback Weston Pritchett opening up the potent Patriot passing attack. Pritchett picked apart the Wildcats’ defense as he connected to three separate receivers for three first downs. Wide out Nicholas Humphries had the final word on the drive as he found himself wide open in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown reception. Kicker James Greene’s extra point attempt put his team up 7-6 with seven minutes remaining in the quarter.

The celebration was short lived as Scottsboro quickly responded on the following drive with a Stephen Strickland fourth and eight touchdown run. The failed two-point play left the Wildcats with only a 12-7 lead.

Brewer would not find their offensive rhythm again until the fourth quarter. Scottsboro dominated both sides of the ball converting its next six drives into five touchdowns and a field goal while forcing the Patriots to punt on its following five drives. Scottsboro commanded the game heading into the fourth quarter with a 50-7 lead.

The deficit was met with strong frustrations from Brewer heading into the fourth quarter.

“It’s almost a good thing that emotions are running high because of the outcome of the game,” said Styles.

“There are always the kids that look at the game as just another mark on the calendar and I hate that for the kids that understand the importance of the work that we all put in. The frustrations on the sideline come from the kids that want to get better and who pour their heart and soul into the game. They just get frustrated with those players who take their foot off the gas a little bit.”

To open the fourth quarter Brewer switched to freshman quarterback Hunter Swafford. Swafford was met with misfortune by the Wildcats as his first pass was intercepted and returned to the Brewer 23-yard line. Scottsboro then converted the error into a two-yard scoring touchdown run by Tracy Smith giving the Wildcats a 57-7 lead.

However, Brewer took command of the final minutes. Swafford redeemed himself with a pass to Brendon Deberry who then took the ball down to the Scottsboro 25-yard line. TJ Morrow turned the drive into points with a six-yard touchdown run. The failed two-point play left the Patriots trailing 57-13.

Brewer was not done yet. The ensuing Scottsboro offensive was met by a determined Patriot defense who took advantage of a Wildcat fumble on the Scottsboro 35-yard line. Sophomore Kolton Bramlett swooped into the backfield and turned the Wildcat error into Patriot points. Greene’s extra point made the final score 57-20.

Brewer is now faced with a quick turnaround before facing off with a dominating region opponent. Brewer is set to host Fort Payne on Oct. 19.

“We have to go back to work,” Styles said.

“It’s just like I told the kids at halftime, we are going to do the same thing we did in the first half. We didn’t run a play that didn’t work when executed properly. If we are not getting better every day, we are getting worse. We now go on to face Fort Payne who is at the top of the region and how we respond to this we won’t know until we get back to work on Sunday.”