By Amy Thrash, Sports Reporter • amy@southerntorch.com

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — The Fort Payne Wildcats defeated the Scottsboro Wildcats 41-34 to hold on to the TopCat Trophy for another year.

Alex McPherson drilled a 45-yard field goal to give Fort Payne the 3-0 lead with 10:24 remaining in the first quarter.  Scottsboro answered back with a touchdown making the score 7-3. With 1:00 left in the first quarter J.D.Blalock connected with Cam Thomas on a 36-yard pass to regain the lead to 10-7. 

Fort Payne punched it in after an onside kick to extend the lead to 17-7 with 10:40 left in the second quarter.  Hunter Love dashed into the endzone from 1-yard out to stretch the lead to 24-7 with 5:51 left in the half. With 2:34 remaining Scottsbore hit a long pass to cut the lead to 24-14. Thomas scored on a 78-yard pass from Blalock making the score 31-14 at the half. 

In the third quarter Scottsboro scored from 8-yards out to make the score 31-20. After Scottsboro intercepted the Fort Payne ball they scored to cut the lead to 31-26 with .51 remaining in the third. 

McPherson kicked a 27-yard field goal to make the score 34-26 with 10:38 remaining in the fourth quarter. Scottsboro scored from 1-yard out and went for two to tie the game 34-34 with 5:35 left in the game. Loved scored on a 12-yard touchdown run, making the final score 41-34.

“It was an exciting game to watch and play in. We are proud of our players for finding a way to make just enough plays to win the game.” Stated head Coach Chris Elmore. “ It was a great effort by the players and coaches of scottsboro also. It's tough for any team to lose a game like that but we are thankful we found a way to win it. 

The Fort Payne Wildcats will host the Southside Panthers on Friday Night.