By Marla Jones, Sports Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne 28-Lee 14

“Offensively, we played very good defensively we made big plays”

—Coach Paul Ellis

It was Homecoming for the Fort Payne Wildcats Friday night and they had something to celebrate.  Coach Paul Ellis was named the winningest coach in school history.  Senior, Desmond Turner, rushed for almost 300 yards and four touchdowns, making him the Southern Torch Standout of the Night.  He is over 1,200 yards for the season, thus far. The Fort Payne defense picked off Lee’s quarterback, three times.  They are undefeated in the region.  You could say things are looking good for the Fort Payne Wildcats and Coach Ellis could not be any prouder.  “Lee had a super athletic team that played their hearts out.” Ellis also said, “ We are so proud of our players for competing at such a high level and remaining undefeated in region play.  Offensively we played very physical and defensively.  We made big plays and came up with 3 huge turnovers (all interceptions) in the second half.”

Lee struck first with a 54-yard gallop into the endzone with 4:34 left in the first quarter.

Fort Payne answered back with a Desmond Turner, 1 -yard dart for the score with 11:16 remaining in the second.  With less that :40 left before the half, Fort Payne decided to spice thing up with a little jump pass trickery to score.  Wildcats led 14-7, going into the half.

In the third, Lee took advantage of a interception to score and tied the game with a 15-yard touchdown.

The fourth was all about defense.  With 10:44 left in the game, Trea Prater intercepted the ball in the end zone that led to a Desmond Turner touchdown.  Tyler Berry got the next interception and Turner thanked him with yet another touchdown.  With less than 3:00 remaining in the game, Daurice Maddox decided he wanted to be a part of the elite interception club and snagged himself a interception sealing the fate for the Lee Generals.  Final score Fort Payne 28, Lee 14.

The Fort Payne Wildcats will travel to Scottsboro this week for another region game.  Coach Ellis stated, “ The Top Cat Trophy is on the line this week.” also, “This game is big for us because it is both a rivalry game and region game as well. Scottsboro has had a lot of injuries to start the year but they are healthy now and will be ready for us.  They have a lot of playmakers and will be tough to contain.”