CROCKETT — The Tigers traveled to Crockett Friday night to face their long-time nemesis, and with playoff hopes on the line, the Tigers faced added incentive to return home with a victory.
The motivation proved effective, as Trinity came home with a 30-27 win and a spot in the playoffs.
The Tigers received the opening kickoff and put together a 60-yard scoring drive with Terian Maxie punching it in from the 1-yard line to take a 7-0 lead. The Bulldogs took over and marched 64 yards down the field but were stopped short with a forced fumble recovered by the Tigers. The Tigers took over at the 21-yard line and drove the ball to the Bulldog 2-yard line as time expired in the opening quarter.
On the first play of the second quarter, Evian Castro completed the 79-yard scoring drive with a 2-yard run. Leading 14-0 early in the quarter, the Bulldogs were able to tighten the score with a 79-yard touchdown drive. The Bulldogs attempted an onside kick, but the Tigers were able to maintain possession beginning at the Bulldog 41-yard line.
Needing only one minute and three plays, Mason Dunn took the Maxie pass the needed 4 yards to regain the Tigers 14-point lead. Not to be out done, the Bulldogs were able to march 74 yards to the endzone and cut the deficit to 21-14 as time expired in the first half.
The second half began with defensive stops by both teams, but on the Bulldogs second drive, they put together a 5-play scoring drive, but on the extra point try, the Bulldogs attempted a fake field goal passing the ball into the end zone, but Chance Barron stepped in front of the pass and returned it for a 2-point swing for the Tigers. Leading 20-23, the Tigers were forced to punt, and the Bulldogs were able to take the lead on their next drive as time wound down in the 3rd quarter.
Trailing for the first time of the evening, and with just 12 minutes left to clinch a playoff spot, the Tigers put together a 64-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Maxie to Barron 34-yard touchdown pass. After forcing a punt, the Tigers were able to drive the ball to the Bulldog 21-yard line, but a 4th-down pass fell incomplete, giving life to the Bulldogs to try and regain the lead. Five plays later, the Tiger defense was able to intercept the pass and set up what could have been a game ending drive.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, multiple fouls and an errant punt breathed live into the Bulldogs for one final drive. With 47 seconds remaining in the game, the Bulldogs started on the Tiger 22-yard line. The Tiger defense made the game saving drive, as they forced a 47-yard field goal attempt, but fell well short of the mark and secured the victory and the playoffs for the Tigers.
Offensively, Trinity posted 367 rushing yards and 27 passing yards.
A very emotional coaching staff met with an excited group of players after the game, Coach Shaun Stout expressed how proud he was of the team and looking forward to playing Fairfield in the final game and success in the playoffs.
The Tigers will play their final home game as they host Fairfield Friday night. Seniors will be recognized prior to the game with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Indians stepped away from their previous up-and-down performances to down the Centerville Tigers 40-34 on Friday.
The win puts Groveton’s record at 3-6.
Head Coach Scott Green said that during the season, some opportunities got away from them, but last week the team played the way he had expected them to play all season.
“We played with a reason and a lot of intensity,” Green said. “The offensive and defensive lines played really well, and there was a better balance in our run/pass game.”
Green said Brayden Reynolds had a good game at running back and linebacker, and Jasper Due ran the offense very well at quarterback and at safety.
“On Friday night vs. Leon, we will be ready,” he said.
After a rough first half full of penalties, including several unsportsmanlike conduct calls, the Eagles held strong and downed Calvert 52-33 on Friday.
Apple Springs currently holds first place in district with a 2-0 record (6-2 overall).
Stats were not available.
