Pioneers have chance to snap more streaks
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Breaking a 39-game losing streak, and following it up with another win for the first 2-0 start by a Warren County squad in six seasons, were huge accomplishments.
But if the 2005 version of the Pioneers wants to truly solidify its place in school history as “streak-breakers,” this week’s trip to Crossville would be a nice place to do so.
Two major losing streaks could come to a halt this Friday, when the Pioneers and Jets kick off at 7:30 p.m.
For starters, Warren County — with a win — would end a road losing streak which stretches all the way back to Aug. 20, 1999.
In that game, Landis Crabtree recorded four TD catches, and totaled six receptions for a whopping 177 yards, in a 31-19 win over White County in Sparta.
The victory was the first time in six years Warren County had won its season opener, and began a 2-0 start to the season which wasn’t matched until this fall.
Unfortunately for the Pioneers and their fans, the White County win not only was the first of just two the team would record that fall, it began a streak of 33 straight road losses which continued last Friday at Tullahoma.
But not only could that road streak be stopped Friday night, but a long line of league losses could come to an end, as well.
Warren County last won a region game back in 1997, when they defeated Oakland 30-14. Alan Perkins helped the cause for Warren County, returning a fumble for a 70-yard touchdown, and the Pioneers rallied with 16 unanswered points after being deadlocked with the Patriots 14-14 at the half.
If you’re having trouble grasping how long that streak has lasted, consider this: A child born during the 1997 football season, but after the Pioneers’ win over the Patriots, is now in the third grade.
And finally, a victory over the Jets would mark the first time in 15 years Warren County has defeated Cumberland County on the gridiron. The Pioneers’ last win over Crossville came at Nunley Stadium in the 1990 Nurseryman’s Bowl, when Barry Dillard’s three interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns — helped lead the team to a 28-0 victory.
The 2005 version of the Cumberland County Jets enter Friday’s contest with a 1-5 record, with their lone victory coming in region play against Coffee County. Warren County comes in 2-4, looking to break a four-game skid.
3-5A Standings
TEAM REC
Cookeville 2-0
Lincoln Co. 2-0
Franklin Co. 1-1
Cumberland Co. 1-1
Warren Co. 0-2
Coffee Co. 0-2
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This week’s games:
Warren Co. at Cumberland Co.
Coffee Co. at Franklin Co.
Lincoln Co. at Cookeville