By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
The Brewton Middle School Tigers lost their first game of the season when they hit the road to meet Jay on October 8 and returned on the short end of a 20-14 decision.
A Tiger special teams error coupled with an untimely turnover contributed to Jay taking an early 12-0 lead. Although BMS battled back and had a chance to either tie or win at the end, Jay held the challenge at bay and handed the Tigers their first loss of the season.
After the loss and with two games remaining on their schedule, the Tigers' record stands at 4-1.
The first quarter ended with the two teams battling in a scoreless tie, but Jay began the second period in good field position at the BMS 20-yard line following a botched Tiger punting attempt.
Two plays later, Jay broke the ice with a touchdown that gave them a 6-0 lead after the failed PAT.
The Tigers contributed to Jay's cause once again by turning the ball over on their next possession at the BMS 45-yard line.
Jay took advantage of the break by driving down the field for another touchdown that made the score 12-0.
The Tigers got on the scoreboard before the half after recovering a fumble at the Jay 25-yard line and cashing-in the opportunity.
Nykeem Barton gained five yards on a first down run. Baxley Raines then connected with Brandon Andrews on a 20-yard touchdown pass that cut the Jay lead to 12-6. Reo Kirkland's PAT attempt sailed through the middle of the uprights to make the score 12-7 at intermission.
Jay's offensive unit asserted itself on the initial drive of the second half.
Starting from their own 25-yard line after receiving the Tigers' kickoff, Jay put together a 9-play, 75-yard drive that ended in the end zone. The two-point conversion was successful, padding the Jay lead to 20-7.
The Tigers began their next possession from their 48-yard line and quickly answered Jay's score.
On first down, James Woods picked-up twelve yards on a running play to the Jay 40-yard line. Two plays later, the Raines-to-Andrews connection struck again on a 37-yard pass completion for a touchdown. Kirkland booted the point after through the uprights to put BMS within six at 20-14.
As the game neared its end, BMS had possession of the ball with an opportunity to win the game with another touchdown and PAT. But, penalties and the determined Jay defense that rose to the occasion kept the Tigers out of the end zone and sent them home with their first loss of the season.