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Conner shakes off cobwebs in win

HEBRON, Kentucky – The Conner Cougars got off to a sluggish start on homecoming at Fred Nevel Stadium but scored 34 unanswered points to defeat the Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts 34-14.

“This was not our best effort,” Conner head coach Dave Trosper told his team after the game. “We will have to get this cleaned up because that was a good football team we just played tonight.

Mistakes plagued both teams especially during the first half. In fact, five of the seven touchdowns scored in the game were direct results on either turnovers or key mistakes.

Conner RB Armand Jackson (photo by Brady Laber/TriStateFootball.com)

Conner RB Armand Jackson (photo by Brady Laber/TriStateFootball.com)

“We got off very rough to a great team. We had to keep the pace and catch the rhythm on the game,” Jackson said afterward.

Lloyd took advantage of the rough start with an interception by Lashunn Townsend on the second play from scrimmage. As a result, Lloyd running back Justin Durham scored the game’s first touchdown on a 27-yard run.

On its next drive Conner again made a costly mistake. After going three-and-out the Cougars attempted to punt but the snap went over the punter’s head. The loose ball was recovered deep in its own territory by the Cougars to give Lloyd excellent field position.

Quarterback Jordan Fann connected with Townsend on a 15-yard touchdown pass to give the Jugs a 14-0 lead.

The advantage held up until Conner running back Armand Jackson barreled his way seven yards into the end zone with 1:44 left in the opening quarter.

Lloyd was forced to punt on the ensuing drive, however the ball was touched by a Conner player and recovered by the Jugs.

The good fortune did not last long for Lloyd. On the next play, quarterback Jordan Fann was injured while being sacked by Conner linebacker Peyton VanHorn. Not only was it a loss of eight yards, but Fann had to be stretchered off of the field.

The junior signal caller did wave to the crowd while being carried off, letting the silenced crowd know that he was not seriously injured. It was later revealed that Fann was released from the hospital before the game ended and did not suffer a concussion.

The Cougars would score two touchdowns of its own as a result of Lloyd interceptions to take a 20-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Quarterback Walker Buelow’s one-yard rushing touchdown gave the Cougars its go-ahead score.

Jackson was the workhorse for Conner carrying the ball a total of 19 times for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson’s 73-yard run set up his second rushing  touchdown.

“I think about my offensive line after every big run, every touchdown.     Without my O-line I can’t do anything and I want to thank them so such,” said Jackson.

Buelow threw a pair of second half touchdowns, one each to Cody Buckler and Darrell Marshall, putting the game out of reach. Buelow finished with 189 yards on 11-for-17 passing.

Next week Conner travels to Alexandria to battle Campbell County in a 6A district game. Lloyd also turns to district play hosting the Newport Wildcats.

RECORDS: Conner (5-1), Lloyd (3-3)

SCORE BY QUARTERS
1        2        3        4        T
Lloyd                    14      0        0        0        14
Conner                  7        13      7        7        34

SCORING PLAYS
1st Quarter
LM – Justin Durham 27-yard TD run (Luis Oshon kick)
LM – Jordan Fann 15-yard TD pass to Lashuun Townsend (Luis Oshon kick)
CON – Armand Jackson 7-yard TD run (Jacob Sheppard kick)

2nd Quarter
CON – Armand Jackson 6-yard TD run (kick failed)
CON – Walker Buelow 1-yard TD run (Jacob Sheppard kick)

3rd Quarter
CON – Walker Buelow 12-yard TD pass to Cody Buckler (Jacob Sheppard kick)

4th Quarter
CON – Walker Buelow 39-yard TD pass to Darrell Marshall (Jacob Sheppard kick)

Brady Laber is a 2009 graduate of Northern Kentucky University. He is in his seventh season with tristatefootball.com and has covered Northern Kentucky high school football since 2006.

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