By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
Entering their Oct. 22 away game against Carver, the Brewton Middle School Tigers were most likely expecting an ending similar to their 28-6 victory in the two team's meeting earlier in the season. But, Carver had other ideas about the rematch and turned the table on the Tigers.
With offensive adjustments that enabled them to move the football more consistently and a defense that rose to the occasion, Carver sent the Tigers home on the short end of an 18-7 decision.
BMS began the game in a tough position, as they received the opening kickoff before stepping out-of-bounds inside the 1-yard line. Four plays later and with the Tigers facing a punting situation, Carver broke through the line to block the punt. The hosts capitalized on the break by scoring a touchdown with one snap of the ball from the 2-yard line. After the failed PAT attempt, Carver led 6-0.
BMS came right back to take the lead after receiving the ensuing kickoff and beginning a drive from their own 20-yard line.
A first down run by Akeem Green moved the ball 30 yards to midfield. Nykeem Barton then carried the football for a 3-yard gain before Green picked-up seven to the Carver 40-yard line. Baxley Raines kept the drive on the ground with a quarterback keeper on the following play to the 33-yard line. After a Barton run netted a 10-yard gain, Barton finished the drive with his next carry by covering the 23 yards needed for the touchdown. Reo Kirkland's PAT was good to put the Tigers ahead, 7-6.
Carver scored the only points the remainder of the half, as a 60-yard run on the first play of the second quarter was good for a touchdown and allowed them to regain the lead at 12-7.
Following a scoreless third quarter in which both defenses were unyielding, Carver added a touchdown in the final quarter to end the scoring at 18-7.
Although suffering the season-ending loss, BMS completed another successful year by finishing with a 5-2 record. BMS head coach Rob Atkinson assessed the season by saying he was well pleased with the Tigers' overall performance.