McKenzie claims victory

BY SHEA ODOM

The Greenville Standard

 

The McKenzie Tigers kicked off the 2025 football season with a road game to the Prattville Christian Academy Panthers (PCA).

The Panthers put up a fight, but the Tigers claimed ultimate victory with a 48-25 win.

PCA won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball at opening kick-off. The Panthers charged the field with authority but were unable to break through the Tiger defense with a quick turn over on downs.

McKenzie Tiger Ayden Willsey made a swift dash to the end zone for the first touchdown of the evening. McKenzie initiated the lead 8-0 following a successful two-point conversion.

The Panthers regained possession of the ball for a scoreboard retort. PCA was unable to complete the two-point conversion and McKenzie remained in the lead 8-6 with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter.

Tiger Quay Jackson opened the second quarter with fury, widening the lead 16-6 on the first play.

PCA dug in for field position with the red zone in sight, but Tiger Jack Locklear stopped the receiver in his tracks deep in Panther territory.

McKenzie stripped the Panthers of the ball on the nine yard line, regaining possession with 6:18 on the clock in the second quarter.

The Tigers closed the first half of the game leading PCA 22-6.

McKenzie returned from halftime with no momentum lost. The Tigers quickly ran the numbers up with touchdowns from Tigers Drayden Simpson and Jolon Davis with a 34-12 lead over the Panthers early in the second half.

PCA closed the leader gap but was unable to catch up to the Tigers for the win.

Head coach Brian Bradford stated, “Tonight was a great team effort. Everyone gave their all, played with heart, and stuck together. That is how we win games.”

McKenzie (1-0) will host the Elba Tigers (0-2) this Friday night at Williams-Vickery Field.

 

Photo:

Tiger Jack Locklear rejects the Panther attempt to the redzone. (Shea Odom | Greenville Standard)