Amy Thrash, Sports Reporter
FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- The Fort Payne Wildcats defeated the North Jackson Chiefs 32-7 on Friday night.
Jake Barnes connected with Ricky Adame on a 55-yard touchdown pass to make the score 7-0, with 6:53 remaining in the first quarter. Kaden Dubose scored on a 56-yard touchdown run, giving the Wildcats the 14-0 lead to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Alex McPherson hit a 55-yard and a 52-yard field goal to extend the Wildcat lead to 20-0 at halftime.
Adame scored his second touchdown of the night on a 58-yard touchdown pass, to give the Wildcats the 26-0 advantage, with 6:57 remaining in the third quarter. North Jackson scored their only touchdown of the night on a 58-yard pass connection, to make the score 26-7.
In the fourth quarter, McPherson made a 39-yard field goal with 10:40 remaining in the game, to extend the lead to 29-7. With 3:29 remaining in the game, McPherson nailed a State Record for the longest field goal. The 61-yard field goal was perfect, to make the final score Fort Payne 32, North Jackson 7.
“I am very proud of our team for winning on Senior Night and finishing the regular season with a 6-4 record,” stated Fort Payne Head Football Coach, Chris Elmore. “After an 0-3 start, our team showed great character and resilience to come back and win 6 of their last 7 games. We are also very proud of Alex McPherson for setting the state record for the longest field goal. He made a 61-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. He broke the previous record held by his brother Evan McPherson of a 60-yard kick back in 2017.”
The Fort Payne Wildcats will travel to Birmingham to take on the Briarwood Christian Lions on Friday night.
