The two rivals played in the rain and on a soggy field
Claiborne High traveled to Cumberland Gap for the 2021 version of the River Rivalry game. It’s been an up and down series as of late with the Bulldogs winning last season. Before the game, Panther seniors were celebrated.
Claiborne won the toss and deferred to the second half. Starting the game, Cumberland Gap drove into Bulldogs territory but had a turnover on downs. Claiborne took over at their own 39 with 6:37 in the first; however, Ranger Hensley of the Panthers recovered a Josh Bolton fumble with 4:23 in the first quarter which ended with a zero-all score. Owens fumbled the wet football back over to CHS where they started on their own 46 but Landen Wilson fumbled and gave it right back to the Panthers with 9:49 left in the half.
On the drive, Ethan Slusher found the end zone from one yard out for a Cumberland Gap touchdown with 5:48 remaining in the opening half. The two Point conversion run was good by Bryson Ellis and the Panthers led 8-0.
Moments later, Cumberland Gap’s Brayden Painter picked off a Wilson pass and gave the ball over to the offense with 1:38 to work with. The Panthers used the time wisely and with four seconds left in the half, Slusher rushed five yards for his second touchdown of the game and also completed the two point conversion to give Cumberland Gap a 16-0 lead.
Jason Green gave Claiborne something to cheer for as he took the ensuing kickoff to midfield but time expired in the opening half. During the break, Cumberland Gap crowned their homecoming queen, Jaden Brock.
Homecoming Queen Jaden Brock and her escort Elijah Lawson (Photo courtesy of Randy Brock)
When the players went back out on the soggy field, Claiborne was first to score in the second half on a Wilson three yard keeper. The two point conversion failed and the score board moved to 16-6.
Cumberland Gap’s next drive ended with a turnover on downs. Claiborne took over at the Cumberland Gap 45 with 1:55 left in the third. Wilson then broke loose on a 52 yard run for the touchdown but again CHS failed to convert the two point play. The score going into the final quarter was 16-12.
On the kickoff Claiborne recovered a much practiced onside kick and was looking to change the four point Panther advantage. Claiborne turned the onside kick recovery into a touchdown as Wilson took the ball into the end zone from two yards out. The two point try was again no good. Claiborne took their first lead with 5:00 left in the game at 18-16.
Claiborne’s defense stopped the Panthers on their drive for the win.
Cumberland Gap rallied and drove down into the Bulldogs red zone but failed to score as time was running out. After a Claiborne victory play, the game ended 18-16 in what was a huge win for CHS. With the win the Bulldogs won their first of the season on their final game. -AE & BP
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