By Marla Jones, Sports Reporter

marla@southerntorch.com

Hazel Green 21-Fort Payne 17

“I was proud of our players and coaches, even in defeat”

—Fort Payne Head Coach Paul Ellis

All bets were that Fort Payne would win big against Hazel Green, Friday night. Luck was with Hazel Green as they won the game in the last three seconds.

The Wildcats found themselves in unfamiliar territory as they trailed 14-0 in the first quarter.  Evan McPherson, kicked a 37-yard field goal to make the score 14-3 going into the half.

The Wildcats came back in the third quarter with a vengeance.  They stopped Hazel Green twice on fourth downs.  They held together a 95-yard drive with Desmon Turner scoring with a 1-yard dash.  The PAT by Evan McPherson was good, making the score 14-10.

With 1:09 left in the fourth, Desmon Turner turned up the heat on Hazel Green with his 4-yard gallop into the endzone, making the score Fort Payne 17, Hazel Green 14.  It seemed victory was in the bag but with 3 seconds left, Hazel Green pulled a rabbit out of the hat and scored the winning touchdown.  Final Hazel Green 21, Fort Payne 17.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Head Coach Paul Ellis remained upbeat. “The Hazel Green game was a hard fought contest that came down to the last play of the game.  I was proud of our players and coaches, even in defeat.  We played as a team and never gave up.  I think we grew and got better as a team even though we lost.”

Fort Payne will host Lee for their Homecoming, Friday night.