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Behind a massive rushing performance from Anthony Palmieri and a standout defensive showing, the Shelby County Wildcats improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2008 with a win at Sipsey Valley in their region opener. (For the Reporter/Larry Dancy)

Larry Dancy

Larry Dancy

Larry Dancy

Larry Dancy

Larry Dancy

By SCOTT MIMS | Special to the Reporter

BUHL – It was another thrilling night of high school football for the Shelby County Wildcats as they hit the road to face Sipsey Valley and came away with their third straight win of the season and first region win, 15-7, on Friday, Sept. 6.

“I’m real proud of our guys,” Shelby County coach Zeb Ellison said. “We have the right kids on board, and we have the right people in the driver’s seat in certain situations, and as long as we keep getting better every week we’ll be fine.”

The win gave Shelby County its first 3-0 start since 2008 and its first three-game win streak since 2019 as the Wildcats continued to flip the script from recent seasons, exceeding their 2023 win total in just three games.

Adversity early in the game continued to be a theme, and Ellison said that his players responded positively to the challenges posed by the Bears defense when it counted.

“Every time we had a drive going, it seemed like we got pushed back,” Ellison said. “It was one of those nights where it’s good to get out of there with a win.”

The first touchdown for Shelby County came in the first quarter, as Anthony Palmieri rushed 60 yards to cross the goal line. Sipsey Valley’s only points also occurred in the first quarter.

It wasn’t until the clock read 10 minutes in the fourth quarter that the next score came, and it was once again Palmieri, this time from the Sipsey Valley 5-yard line with an explosive play.

It was part of a big night for Palmieri, who finished with 239 yards on 31 carries, 12 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Quarterback Ryan Sipes went 5-for-9 passing for a total 44 yards, and Skylar Smith also made a key reception.

In all, the Wildcats racked up 343 yards in total offense.

However, the defense also had a big collective effort to keep the Bears in single digits with just one touchdown on the evening.

Eli Holliman made one of the biggest plays of the night on defense with a forced fumble that flipped the field for Shelby County.

In addition, the Wildcats guarded the air well as junior Andres McGinnis broke up three passes and Palmieri complemented his offensive night with two pass breakups of his own.

Another big part of that pass defense was senior Layton Kent, who Ellison said kept Sipsey Valley’s quarterback mostly contained to limit his impact.

Next week, Shelby County travels south to play Jemison in another regional matchup on Sept. 13.

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