Shelby County halts Holtville, improves to 2-0

Published 1:26 am Saturday, August 31, 2024

By Andrew Simonson

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By SCOTT MIMS | Special to the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Wildcats are undefeated and have matched their win total from last year through their first two games, beating the Holtville Bulldogs 31-14 on Friday night, Aug. 30.

A team that scored 24 or less in every game last year and averaged 15.4 points per game, Shelby County put together its second strong offensive performance of the season in week two, but this time, it was a big outburst in the second half.

The Wildcats found themselves slow out of the gate this week, trailing Holtville 14-10 at the half, but they were able to string together big second-half plays to turn a potential loss into a big win in their home opener.

They went on to score 21 unanswered points in the second half behind powerful running from quarterback Ryan Sipes, who finished with three touchdowns on the ground, as well as running back Devan Alexander, who eclipsed 130 yards for the second consecutive game.

Shelby County head coach Zeb Ellison said he was proud of how the team responded, overcoming adversity early after Holtville turned a blocked punt into a touchdown.

“We didn’t come out of the gate real strong, but our kids played hard,” Ellison said. “I’m just proud of the way we responded. We didn’t lose sight of what we do and who we are, and we were able to get back and put the game away.”

He said several big receptions kept the chains moving for the Wildcats, and they consistently made key blocks and tackles to keep the Bulldogs in check.

“Our offensive front, they paved the way for us tonight,” Ellison said. “Those guys, they really did a great job for us. Us being able to move the football and being able to punch it in when we needed to.”

Offensively, Ryan Sipes scored three rushing touchdowns and finished 7-of-8 passing for 82 yards. Anthony Palmieri made four receptions for 60 yards, in addition to a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Palmieri also rushed 21 yards on seven carries.

Devan Alexander rushed for 131 yards on 33 carries, while the team rushed for a combined 282 yards. T.J. Minton also added a 27-yard field goal in the winning effort.

On the defensive side of the ball, Cooper Pennington made 10 tackles and added a fumble recovery, while Cale Blevins totaled eight tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.

Eli Holliman was also part of a key defensive effort in the second half with for four pass breakups in the secondary that prevented the Holtville offense from stringing together any offensive momentum.

Next week the Wildcats travel to Sipsey Valley for their first region game of 2024-25 on Sept. 6.

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