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By C.Y. Peters

Star Correspondent

In a high-scoring battle that lasted over three and a half hours, the Unaka Rangers fell to the 3A Chucky Doak Black Knights, 70-46, in a game filled with penalties, leg cramps, and late-game drama. New Liberty preacher Wesley Duncan’s “5th Quarter” event was over before Unaka’s third quarter even concluded, setting the tone for a night that tested both teams’ endurance and discipline.

The game was marred by 25 penalties, with 14 flags thrown against Unaka and 11 against Chucky Doak, each team surpassing 100 yards in penalties. Despite the challenges, Unaka head coach O’Brien found some solace in the Rangers’ offensive performance. Scoring 46 points against a formidable Chucky Doak defense was no small feat, and the Rangers showed flashes of brilliance throughout the game.

Leg cramps became a recurring theme as the game wore on, slowing down key players on both sides. Late in the fourth quarter, Unaka trailed 52-38 but held Chucky Doak to a critical fourth-and-long situation. A defensive stop and a subsequent score could have pulled the Rangers within six points. However, a missed tackle allowed the Black Knights to score, extending their lead to 59-38.

Unaka scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 9:11 left, cutting the deficit to 59-46, but Chucky Doak sealed the game with another scoring drive, securing a 70-46 victory.

For more in-depth coverage, see Wednesday’s Star.