Back-to-back champs

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

South 9, North 8 

FYFFE, Ala.—In a game that players and fans look forward to all year long, the South Cowboys defeated the North Badgers 9-8 for the second year in a row, in the Long Ranch for Boys Old Timers game.  Long Ranch for Boys is a home established by Paul and Christy Long in 2012 for at risk boys from the ages of 5-18.

Dillion Cambron (Sylvania) struck first for the North Badgers with a 35-yard run into the endzone with a quarterback keeper.  Chad Anderson (Sylvania) had set up excellent field position after carrying the ball five times.  Bryar Buchanan (Plainview) scored on a two-point conversion with less than a minute remaining in the half.

Coming back from the half, the South took charge of the game.  Chris “Bosh Johnson (Fyffe) found his way into the endzone with 2:15 left in the third quarter.  The two-point conversion failed.

Both teams went back and forth with unsuccessful attempts to score.  When a series of runs from Mike Wade (Crossville) and Josh Smith (Geraldine) set up excellent field goal position for the South Cowboys.  Luis Garcia (Crossville) was successful on a 17-yard field goal attempt, putting the South in the lead with a score of 9-8.

The North tried to rally but with less than 2:00 left on the game clock, the South Cowboys intercepted the ball and ran the clock out.

The South head coach Jeff Helton said, “ It was a hard fought defensive struggle.  I am proud of my guys.  They fought their guts out and I am glad to get out with a win.  Helton also said, “We also want to thank Paul Long and anyone affiliated with the Long Ranch for Boys for putting this on and allowing us to suit up and play this great game that we all love, FOOTBALL!”

Chris “Bosh” Johnson was named the Offensive MVP of the game for the South.  Devin Davis (Sylvania) was named the Defensive MVP for the North.