All it took was one play to change the complexion of Sweetwater’s matchup against the McMinn Central Chargers in the second quarter of the Loudon Jamboree on Friday.

A 94-yard touchdown pass on third-and-25 marked the only points scored in the quarter as the Chargers downed the Wildcats 6-0.

That was the only blemish against the Wildcat defense in the quarter of play as Sweetwater held Central to –12 total yards with the exception of the touchdown pass.

Still, Sweetwater head coach David Staff thought his team played well against the Chargers.

“I thought our defense played well,” said Staff. “We gave up the one big play, and that was against a freshman out there and they’re going to find that weak link, but he’s got to be in that situation so it’s good for him. But I thought our defense got after it real well.”

That freshman, Gavyn Davis, impressed the coaches enough to earn a starting spot at cornerback during fall drills.

“He’s going to be out there, so we need to grow him up. He’s going to be out there on Friday nights,” said Staff.

The Sweetwater offense was also impressive against the defending Region 3-3A champs, but could not sustain a drive to score.

After holding Central on offense to start the game, the Sweetwater offense moved the ball 21 yards behind tailbacks Jimiese McDermott and Kadrean Brewster.

Quarterback Tyler Richesin then completed a 15-yard pass to tight end Chris Gibson, but two plays for negative yardage and an incomplete pass ended the Sweetwater drive.

The Chargers took over on their own 21, and immediately went backwards due to a holding call. 

Sammy Blomstrom stuffed a running play for a four-yard loss before the 94-yard bomb. The extra point was no good, but Central led 6-0.

Davis entered the game at quarterback on the next Wildcat offensive series, but there was little production and Sweetwater was forced to punt again.

The Wildcats nearly intercepted two passes in the final 50 seconds, but Central hung on for the 6-0 win.

Sweetwater travels to Sequoyah on Friday to open their season at the Chop House, where a capacity crowd is expected.

“It’s a big game, especially when it’s your first game,” said Staff. “We’ve got to wake them up, go across the ridge, and play them. It’s the kind of game you look forward to.”