The Caldwell County Tigers used a strong defensive effort in the second half to break open a tie game at the half and knock off Graves County 28-17 Friday night in Mayfield. The Tigers outscored the Eagles 16-2 in the second half to pick up their first win of the season.
It was the Tiger defense that got things going Friday night coming up with a safety in the 1st quarter to put Caldwell County up 2-0. Graves County responded with a long touchdown midway through the quarter to go ahead 7-2.
DeEric Hollowell put Caldwell County in front late in the first quarter with a one yard run to make it an 8-7 game.
The Eagles came right back on a touchdown pass early in the second quarter to go back in front 15-8. The Tigers immediately responded when Trace Olden returned the ensuing kickoff to tie the game at 15-15. The two teams went back and forth for the rest of the quarter before setting for the halftime tie.
Caldwell County took the lead for good when Jameer Riley ran for a nine yard score to put the Tigers up 22-15 just over three minutes into the 3rd quarter. Quarterback Joby Jaggers used his legs late in the third quarter to score from 11 yards out and extend the lead to 28-15. The Caldwell defense then shut down the Eagles offense for the rest of the night. Graves got a meaningless safety late in the game for the final score.
The win improves Caldwell County to 1-1 on the season. The Tigers will play their home opener next Friday when they host the Hopkinsville Tigers at Tiger Stadium.
