By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

SAKS, Ala. — The Sylvania Rams fell to the Saks Wildcats in their season opener on Friday.

The Rams took the opening kickoff and ran it 55-yards down the field, in eight plays.  Quarterback Brody Smith connected with Keenan Wilkbanks with a 20-pass for the score.  The extra point attempt by Jaxon Andrede gave the Rams the early 7-0 lead.  The Rams and the Wildcats played a little game of hot potato in the final minutes of the first quarter. Saks ran the ball to the Rams 11-yard line before Gareth Anderson intercepted the pass and returned it to the 7-yard line.  Sylvania fumbled on the next drive with Saks recovering at the 2-yard line.  Wilbanks recovered and the Rams made it back to the Saks 47-yard line before ending the first quarter, punting back to Saks. 

To start the second quarter, the Wildcats put their first points on the board scoring on a 65-yard touchdown. After a failed 2-point conversion, the score was 7-6. The Rams went three-and-out and the Wildcats scored their final points of the half with a 5-yard scamper into the endzone.  The 2-point conversion failed, making the score 12-7.  With only a minute remaining in the first half, Smith connected with Sawyer Hughes for the six-yard touchdown.  The kick by Andrede gave the Rams the 14-12 advantage going into the half. 

To start the second half, Sakx charged down the field for 48-yards to score, putting the Wildcats ahead 18-14. 

In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats padded their lead to 24-14, scoring on a 28-yard run.  The Rams answered back with a touchdown on a Smith-to-Hughes 13-yard connection.  The Ram touchdown was called back due to a penalty, giving the Wildcats the 24-14 win. 

Smith finished the night 14-for-23 for 140 yards and two scores.  Anderson led the Rams with 54 yards.  

For the night, the Rams had 140 passing and 82 yards rushing for a combined total of 222 yards. 

Sylvania will host the Sardis Lions on Thursday, August 27.