TRINITY —The Tigers were assured of a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Bulldogs, unfortunately the Bulldogs had other plans, as Trinity lost 42-35.
The first half on Friday was all about offense, as the Tigers scored on all of their first half possessions and were able to stop the Bulldogs on 4th down twice to take a 28-21 lead at halftime. Fortunes would change for the Tigers as a mishandled kickoff on the opening play gave the ball to the Bulldogs and they were able to tie the score at 28.
The Tiger offense was forced into back-to-back punts on their next two possessions, while the Bulldogs offense was able to move the ball and take a 14-point lead. The Tigers were able to put together one scoring drive in the second half. With a glimmer of hope, the Tigers tried an onside kick that was recovered by the Bulldogs, as time wound down in the game and on the Tigers season, the Bulldogs were able to keep possession of the ball until the final whistle, defeating the Tigers 42-35.
The Tigers ended the season with a 6-4 record.
Head Coach Shaun Stout told the team how proud he and the coaching staff were of the improvements they have made and told the Seniors what an honor it has been to coach them.
Despite a 42-0 blanking by Leon, overall the Indians’ season has been successful, given that the team didn’t win a game last season, while this year they’re going to the playoffs.
Head Coach Scott Green said that getting to play in the postseason is a goal they set at the beginning of the season and has nothing but praise for the team.
Still, Green said that Leon has a senior-led football team — very athletic and has the size to go with it.
“Though our players played hard, we had a few key players go down early in the game, which gave us a chance to play some players in different positions,” Green said. “We have asked a lot of underclassmen to grow up fast.
“It doesn’t matter what classification you play in; the game is always faster at the top,” he said. “They have stepped up to the challenge and being in the playoffs is a testament to their desire. I’m very proud to be a part of this program.”
Green also praised the coaching staff, saying they have done a great job of player development, and that all of them are looking forward to Friday night and the future of the program.
Friday’s loss to Burkeville was bittersweet for Head Coach Cody Moree: while the Eagles put up a valiant second half of play, ultimately this was Moree’s final game as coach, since he is retiring in December.
Apple Springs lost 43-20 but had an amazing second half to make it a competitive game.
“I am proud of this team,” he said. “We finished the year at 5-5. For the obstacles we faced, including playing only 6 players almost every down of every game, these kids overachieved.
“It was indeed my last game,” Moree said. “It hurt and probably will for a while when I think that something that has been such a part of my life, for most of my life, is now over. However, God has blessed me with such an amazing journey that involved some of the finest coaches and hundreds of young men. He certainly gave me more than I deserve. Now, He has a new direction for me and I will do my best to follow it.”
Moree said that without a doubt the standout in the game was senior Bradyn Kaufman, who scored twice and was the best player both offensively and defensively.
