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

ROGERSVILLE, Ala. — The Lauderdale County Tigers defeated the Sylvania Rams, 46-20 in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. 

Lauderdale connected with a 44-yard pass on their first possession to take them down to the 1-yard line.  On the next play, they scored to make to give the Tigers the early 6-0 advantage. After a Sylvania fumble, the Tigers scored on a 1-yard dash into the endzone.  Lauderdale successfully went for two to take the 14-0 lead.  With 5:08 remaining in the first quarter, the Tigers scored on a 15-yard touchdown to go up 21-0. 

Lauderdale County defense held the Sylvania Rams to only 41 yards in the first half.

To start the second half, the Tigers took the opening possession and scored after a 5-play drive to go up, 28-0.  After the Rams turned over the ball on downs, Lauderdale scored on a 44-yard pass connection to take the 34-0 lead.  The Tigers scored on a 36-yard pass connection to go up 40-0.  Late in the third, the Tigers scored their final touchdown of the night on a 2-yard dash into the endzone to make the score 46-0.

The Rams attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter. The Rams scored in the fourth with a 14-yard pass connection from Quarterback Brody Smith to Riley Johnson, making the score 46-6.  Smith connected with a 19-yard pass connection to Jordan Johnson, to make the score 46-12..  With 1:15 remaining in the game, Smith made a 19-yard touchdown connection to Keenan WIlbanks to make the final score of the night, 46-20.

Sylvania finished the 2019 season with a 7-4 record.  

Lauderdale County (9-2) will advance to the second round of Class 3A playoffs where the will face Piedmont (10-1).