HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The Whitwell Tigers went on the road to Jo Byrns just two weeks earlier and came back home with a 13-7 win. This time around, a victory would have sent the Tigers to the second round of the playoffs. However, in the rematch, it was the Tigers who fell short, suffering a 13-7 loss.
The Red Devils came out of the gate ready to go, marching straight down the field against the Tigers’ defense. Whitwell was able to tighten up and force Jo Byrns to settle for a field goal, which was good, giving the Red Devils a 3-0 lead.
Offensively, not much was clicking early for Whitwell. In the second quarter, the Red Devils got the ball again — and this time, they weren’t going to be denied the end zone, scoring on a five-yard run. The PAT was good. Just before the first-half clock expired, Jo Byrns connected on another field goal, extending their lead to 13-0.
The Tigers bounced back after halftime, going right down the field. Senior Adam McDougal punched it into the end zone for Whitwell’s only touchdown of the night. That’s where the score would stay for the remainder of the game.
Turnovers proved to be the deciding factor for Whitwell. The Tigers committed an interception and a fumble, while Jo Byrns played mistake-free football. Whitwell totaled 175 yards of offense compared to Jo Byrns’ 187. McDougal stood out for the Tigers, rushing for 121 yards on 18 carries.
The Tigers’ season comes to an end in a year full of growth. A team that started with little varsity experience battled every week. Next season, the Tigers will return with valuable experience, more confidence, and an offseason full of familiarity.