By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne 27-Anniston 26

Fort Payne traveled to Anniston for the last game of the regular season.  It was a game to keep fans on their toes.  On the opening drive, Fort Payne took it to the Anniston 18-yard line but was forced to attempt a 35-yard field goal.  The kick was no good.  Anniston took over on their own 18-yard line.  Michael Shaddix sacked the quarterback and forced Anniston to punt. Desmon Turner scored for the Wildcats on a 6-yard run.  The kick by Evan McPherson was good making the score 7-0.  Trea Prater picked off the Anniston ball and stampeded into the endzone for 80 yards out.  The extra point attempt was not good.  The Wildcats led 13-0.

Halfway thru the second quarter, Anniston scored a touchdown.  They went for two points but was shut down by Fort Payne.  Before the half was over, Anniston was picked off by Will Anderson setting up the score when Desmon Turner dashed into the endzone on a one-yard run.  The kick by Evan McPherson was good.  Going into the half, Fort Payne led 20-6. Coach Paul Ellis, “ We played a great first half on both sides of the ball.  Our defense had several big plays with the pick 6 by Trey Prater being the biggest and our offense was in sync.”

The second half was when Fort Payne Wildcat fans started to worry.  It seemed that the wheels had fell off the Wildcat bus.  In the third quarter, Anniston picked off a Wildcat pass and returned it for a Anniston touchdown.  The kick was good.  Making the score 20-13.  Fort Payne answered back with a 10-yard gallop for a touchdown by Desmon Turner.  The extra point attempt by McPherson was good.  Anniston narrowed the lead when they picked off Fort Payne and returned it 35-yards for the score.  The point after attempt was blocked by the Wildcats.  The Wildcats held the Anniston Bulldogs and ran the clock out.

Coach Ellis had this to say about the second half of the game, “The second half was the total opposite especially on the offensive side of the ball.  We uncharacteristically turned the ball over four times giving Anniston three quick scores, however, the defense blocked an extra point and made a huge stop down near the goal line to preserve the win 27-26.  Finishing 8-2 and being undefeated  region champions is a great accomplishment for this team, especially in the fact that we had a great opportunity to be 9-1 or with some luck 10-0.  Great regular season.”

The Southern Torch Standouts of the game were Michael Shaddix, Will Anderson,  Desmon Turner and Trea Prater.

Fort Payne will host Briarwood Christian in the first round of the playoffs, Friday night. “Our team is very excited to compete in the 2015 AHSAA playoffs and have the opportunity to play a great team in Briarwood Christian Lions.  They are always one of the best coached teams that we line up against.  They have a record of excellence in football over many years.  We are honored to play such a quality opponent and are excited about this game”, Coach Paul Ellis.