Tiger Fight

Tiger Fight

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

VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — In the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) playoffs, the Brilliant Tigers defeated the Valley Head Tigers, 43-25. 

Brilliant won the toss and went on offense first. Brilliant converted on fourth to keep their opening drive alive. After a 13-play drive, Valley Head made a goal-line stand and forced a field goal attempt. The field goal by Brilliant was unsuccessful. Valley Head’s offense had no trouble moving the ball down the field 90-yards on a 6-play drive. Bryson Morgan brought it in from 18-yards out for the score. The point-after attempt failed but gave the Valley Head Tigers the 6-0 advantage. Valley Head’s defense held Brilliant and forced them to turn over on downs as the first quarter ended.  

Jordan Burt took it in from 25-yards out to start the second quarter. The Valley Head Tigers went for two but were unsuccessful, but gave the Valley Head Tigers the 12-0 advantage. Brilliant made the 50-yard touchdown connection to score. The point-after attempt was good, making the score 12-7. Valley Head turned the ball over on downs. With 2:07 remaining in the first half,  Brilliant marched down the field for 99 yards for the touchdown, to make the score 14-12. One minute on the time clock was more than enough for Brilliant’s passing game, to give them the 21-12 advantage going into the half. 

Valley Head took the opening drive of the second half, the distance. Burt connected with Pacey Cooper on an 8-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers went for two but failed, making the score 21-18. Valley Head scored another touchdown to end the third quarter, with the 25-21 advantage.  

In 1:08 of playing time, Brilliant’s offense scored 22 points. On 4th and 10, Brilliant fumbled the ball, scrambled around before picking it up, and made the 25-yard touchdown connection, to make the score 28-25. Brilliant successfully kicked an onside kick to regain possession and add another touchdown, making the score 35-25 with 9:17 remaining in the ballgame. Valley Head had three turnovers on three straight plays. Brilliant scored their final touchdown of the night, with 8:00 remaining in play. The Tigers went for two to make the final score of the night, 43-25.

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