Loudon rebounds to scale Signal Mountain, 24-13

It was homecoming for Signal Mountain, a football program with a relatively short history but one that includes several playoff trips and a state title in 2010.

It was the latest disappointment — visiting Loudon grabbing a 24-13 win — for the Eagles.

But, like layers on a cake or opinions on literature, not all outcomes are judged the same.

“It’s definitely more frustrating than anything,” do-it-all Signal senior Collin Farr said after the Eagles fell to 1-4 this year and 5-20 over the last two-and-a-half seasons. “It’s tough. I know we played better than last week (a shutout loss against Whitwell), but it’s still frustrating.”

That’s understandable. Sports are measured by final scores. Standings are abrupt and undeniable.

But the movement of rebuilding the Eagles is not as empirical. There are degrees. There are subtitles. There is, as Nick Saban and Signal coach Josh Roberts like to say, a process.

“I talk about it a lot, but it really is a process,” Roberts said. “It’s tough. Our goal is to win, no doubt. But we have to get them in position to learn how to win.

“It’s the little things, but I couldn’t be more proud of this team. They fought and battled and played till the end.”

Signal started quickly Friday, forcing a three-and-out and using two solid drives led by backup quarterback Drew Lowry to get a pair of Scott Payne field goals for a quick 6-0 lead.

It was part of Signal’s plan — Roberts wanted to be more physical from the start — and it caught Loudon off guard.

“They came out ready to play, no doubt,” Loudon coach Jeff Harig said. “We simplified some things and wanted to make sure we made it about players and not plays.”

The change — and two big fourth-down conversions — allowed Loudon to handle the early haymaker and turn the direction. Loudon leaned on running back Skyan Lane (18 carries, 108 yards) and quarterback Drew Jackson (19 carries, 200 yards and two rushing scores) to seize control of the game. In fact, the Lane-Jackson combo combined for 308 yards. After the victory formation and a couple other carries, the team rushed for 299.

Even with Loudon finding its way on the ground, the Eagles mounted a late charge with a couple of big throws from Tom Vatter, who played through a shoulder injury after missing the first quarter, in an offense that other than Farr — who set up Signal’s lone TD with a 59-yard reception — still is looking for a running game.

“We knew the quarterback No. 10 (Vatter) was a player and we had to change some things,” Harig said. “They really played hard and fought us to the end. We were able to make some plays on offense to keep him off the field.”

“They fought and battled and played till the end.” – SIGNAL COACH JOSH ROBERTS