Story by Mark Everett Kelly mark@southerntorch.com

Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.

Down 17-0 due to a series of unlucky and discouraging plays - the opposite of what the Wildcats showed during their inspiring eight-game win streak - the team leaders did not fret. 

Led by a sensational 34-yard touchdown from Dax Varnadore (13-21, 177 yards, one touchdown) to Brannon Oliver (five catches, 91 yards), the Wildcats began their comeback.

"It was so early in the game; we just went one at a time and got back into the game," Dax Varnadore said.

He added, "Brannon made three or four exceptional catches on deep balls."

"I knew we could come back - it's something we showed we can do all season," Brannon Oliver said.

Connor Hughes's 32-yard FG (he had one blocked earlier in the first quarter - just his third miss in 13 tries this season) cut the lead to 17-10. 

Carter Blalock (22 rushes, 88 yards, two touchdown) scored on an eight-yard run to tie the game at 17 early in the fourth quarter.

Pell City retook the lead but missed an extra point on their next drive.

Blalock scored again from five yards out, and with Hughes's extra point, the Wildcats led for the first time with 5:56 remaining.

Pell City's last attempt to win the game was crushed thanks to a massive hit by Mason Chandler, whose sack ended the game and sent Fort Payne fans everywhere into a frenzy.

"It's an indescribable feeling," said Chandler.

Go crazy, folks, go crazy! Mark the date, November 8, 2024 - the day Fort Payne's best players made risky plays and went from regular to great to legendary.

"No one can ever tell me that this is not one of the toughest, most resilient bunch I've ever been around," Wildcats Head Coach Chris Elmore said.