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

MARION, Ala. — The Winfield Pirates defeated the Sylvania Rams, 40-24 in the first round of the AHSAA State Playoffs.

After a Braiden Thomas interception, Jaxon Andrade put the first points on the board for Sylvania with a 33-yard field goal with 3:03 remaining in the first. Gareth Anderson scored for the Rams on a 1-yard dash into the endzone, to give the Rams the 10-0 lead.  Winfield snuck in a touchdown late in the second quarter.  Sylvania went into the half with the 10-7 advantage over the Pirates.

With 8:42 remaining in the third quarter, Winfield scored to take the 14-10 lead. Sylvania kicked a field goal to go up 17-14 with 2:59 remaining in the third. With 5.9 remaining in the third, Winfield went up 20-17.

Sylvania went up 24-20 with 7:34 left to play in the game.  Winfield took the lead with 4:19 to play in the game. They then added two more touchdowns to win the game 40-24.  

Braiden Thomas led the Rams with 154 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns for the night.