PALMYRA, Mo. - Clark County produced three touchdowns covering more than 60 yards and continued competing throughout the second half Friday night, but Palmyra’s powerful rushing attack proved difficult to contain during the Panthers’ homecoming game.
Reid Sammons accounted for two touchdowns and an interception, while Bennett Plenge threw a pair of scores in the Indians’ 72-19 loss. Clark County moved to 1-2, while Palmyra improved to 3-0 following its home opener.
Palmyra struck first when Kason Augsburg found an opening and raced 49 yards for a touchdown on the Panthers’ opening possession. Sammons immediately answered for Clark County.
The senior fielded the ensuing kickoff, worked through the initial coverage and broke toward the sideline for a 70-yard touchdown return. Luke Scott converted the extra point, tying the game at 7-7 with 10:43 remaining in the opening quarter.
Sammons continued making an impact when Clark County’s defense returned to the field. He intercepted Augsburg and brought the football back into Palmyra territory, providing the Indians with an opportunity to take their first lead.
Clark County was unable to turn the takeaway into points, and Palmyra regained the advantage on a four-yard touchdown run by Augsburg. The sophomore scored again during the final seconds of the quarter, sending the Panthers into the second with a 21-7 lead.
Palmyra’s experienced offensive line continued creating room for Kason and Wyatt Augsburg as the game progressed. Kason Augsburg added two more touchdowns early in the second quarter, giving him five scores and 135 rushing yards on eight carries.
His night ended with 7:52 remaining in the half when he received his second unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and was ejected. Wyatt Augsburg moved into the quarterback position following his younger brother’s departure.
Palmyra continued finding success behind its running game and favorable field position. Pierce White scored from five yards out before Wyatt Augsburg added two touchdowns during the remainder of the half.
Turnovers made it more difficult for Clark County to slow the Panthers’ momentum. Palmyra recovered two fumbles and intercepted three passes during the game, frequently providing its offense with short fields.
Despite facing a 53-7 deficit late in the half, Clark County continued looking for an opportunity to break through offensively. Plenge delivered with the Indians’ biggest play from scrimmage.
The senior quarterback looked downfield and connected with Gabe Tournear, who broke free for a 65-yard touchdown with 41 seconds remaining. Palmyra blocked the extra point, sending Clark County into halftime trailing 53-13.
The point differential placed the second half under a running clock, but the Indians continued competing and created another scoring opportunity late in the third quarter. A high snap stalled a Palmyra possession and gave Clark County favorable field position.
Plenge rolled away from pressure and found Sammons for a touchdown with 2:46 remaining. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, but Sammons’ second score of the night brought the Indians within 53-19.
Palmyra answered 25 seconds later when Wyatt Augsburg found an opening and raced 66 yards for a touchdown. The senior finished with 226 yards and three scores on 23 carries after taking control of the Panthers’ offense during the second quarter.
Clark County continued rotating players and competing through the fourth quarter while Palmyra added touchdowns from Charles Marshall and freshman JC Pontius. Jayce Wilson intercepted the Indians’ final pass to complete the 72-19 final.
Plenge completed three of 14 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Tournear accounted for 65 yards and a score on his lone reception, while Sammons contributed a receiving touchdown, a 70-yard kickoff-return score and an interception.
The Indians will return home Friday night to face Monroe City.
(This game recap is presented based upon the coverage of the Hometown Radio Sports Network. Any statistics given should be deemed as unofficial.)
