ARITON - Jordan Smith appeared to give Ariton a potential game-breaking first-down run with just under four minutes to go in Friday’s game against Highland Home at Dr. Robert F.
Behind two interceptions returned for touchdowns by sophomore Tyler Chaney, the Flying Squadron scored three TDs in the game’s last 2:29 to rally for a 44-28 victory over the Purple Cats in a Class 2A second-round state playoff game.
Smith, behind a huge hole from the right side of the offensive line, shot through and raced downfield before being tackled at the 27-yard line to convert a first down on a 38-yard run. However, the Purple Cats were called for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play, pushing the ball back to the 43. “The first time we played them, we put our foot off the pedal and I promised our guys we would not do that. We made a mistake and I take full responsibility for that terrible call on the pick six. I was trying to go for the kill and put the game away,” said an emotional Kilcrease about the pass play.
The Purple Cats gained one first down on the ensuing possession before a shanked punt gave Highland Home the ball at the 45. Seven plays later, McKenzie connected with Chaney on a 20-yard touchdown pass with exactly three minutes left in the opening quarter. A try for two failed, but the Squadron led 12-7.
On the first play, Garris went deep to Senn, who made a nice adjustment to get inside of the defender and made a diving catch of the ball that was thrown slightly off. The play covered 35 yards to the 6. Two plays later, Smith scored on a 4-yard run. Garris added the point after kick to make it 21-19 Ariton with 6:42 left in the third.
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