By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
Briarwood 30-Fort Payne 26
Fort Payne’s dream season came to an end Friday night. They lost the first round of the playoffs against Briarwood Christian. Fort Payne was undefeated in region play and won 8 games this year plus they are the Class 6A Region 7 Champions. Coach Ellis could not be prouder of his team. “ I am very proud of our season and this entire team, especially the seniors. I hate that it came to an end Friday night but our team showed so much fight and really played to win. This team has so much to be proud of and broke many team records that have stood for many years. We were undefeated in region play and played a physical brand of football throughout the year. This team will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope the seniors know much we appreciate them and love them.”
Briarwood scored on their opening possession of the game. The point after attempt was unsuccessful. Trae Prater intercepted the Briarwood ball that set up the 9-yard score by Desmon Turner with 5:37 remaining in the first. The kick was good, tieing the score 7-7. With :06 left in the first quarter, Briarwood scores and goes for a 2-point conversion. The score was now 15-14.
With 2:37 left in the second quarter, Evan McPherson kicks a 24-yard field goal to give Fort Payne the lead going into the half.
In the third quarter, McPherson kicks another field goal to give Fort Payne an 20-15 lead. With less than 5 minutes left in the third, a snap went over McPhersons head and rolled into the Briarwood end zone for a Briarwood score. They converted the two-point conversion to get the lead 23-20. Fort Payne would regain the lead by a 47-yard catch by Wanya King. The PAT was blocked. Score was 26-23.
With 10:43 left in the fourth quarter, Briarwood would take over the lead with a 2-yard run. Fort Payne put together two drives late in the fourth but were unable to bring them into the endzone. Time ran out for the Wildcats. Final Briarwood 30, Fort Payne 26.
The Southern Torch Standout of the night was Desmon Turner. He finished out the night with 29 carries for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
Although, it will be hard to fill the shoes of the seniors, we look forward to see the Wildcats back in action next year.
