East Poinsett County 20, Cross County 16
East Poinsett County 20, Cross County 16
CHERRY VALLEY — East Poinsett County won a 2A‑2 grinder Friday, punching in the go‑ahead score in the final minute to edge Cross County 20–16 in the KAIT “Football Friday Night” Game of the Week. The Warriors improved to 5–1 (3–0) with the late winner; Cross County fell to 4–2 (2–1).
EPC struck first when senior Jacob Gaines (#24, RB/WR) powered in for an early rushing touchdown; the point-after failed. Gaines is listed on EPC’s varsity roster as a two-way skill player and has been a featured rusher in recent weeks.
From there, the night settled into a defensive tug-of-war. The Warriors’ front—anchored by Zebarious Shepherd (#78, DE/DT) and Aiden Thompson (#42, OLB/DE)—strung out perimeter runs and generated backfield pressure. Senior quarterback Eli Blagg (#5, QB) steered EPC’s offense with timely throws and command of the late two-minute drive, while Dee Buchanan (#11, RB) supplied chain-moving runs to set up the decisive score.
Cross County’s ground game answered all night behind junior Caden Crawford (#1, RB) and senior Braxton Armstrong (#11, SB/SS), who logged multiple first-down bursts. Veteran fullback Dayvion Simmons (#0, FB/LB) and the Thunderbirds’ linebacker group delivered a physical tone, and Jake Brooks (#30, K/P) helped flip field position.
Players who stood out
• Jacob Gaines (#24, RB/WR, EPC) — opening TD; senior playmaker.
• Eli Blagg (#5, QB, EPC) — guided the last-minute winning drive.
• Dee Buchanan (#11, RB, EPC) — clutch carries to set up the winner.
• Caden Crawford (#1, RB, Cross County) — consistent inside running.
• Braxton Armstrong (#11, SB/SS, Cross County) — early first downs, two-way impact.