McKenzie doubles down on Florala
BY SHEA ODOM
The Greenville Standard
The McKenzie Tigers (4-0) traveled to Florala to face the Wildcats (1-4) in regional play Friday night.
The Tigers controlled the leader board for the entire game and remain undefeated following their 56-28 win over Florala.
McKenzie won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball to open the first half of play. The offensive line dug in and made a quick, hard push downfield with a touchdown early in the first quarter by Tiger Ayden Willsey. After a successful two-point conversion, McKenzie led 8-0.
Florala buckled in and attempted to tie the game up following a touchdown for the Wildcats with 9:09 left in the first quarter.
The attempt failed after a blocked two-point conversion by the Tigers. McKenzie continued to lead 8-6.
Tiger quarterback Quay Jackson quickly widened the leader gap, with the help of the strong offensive line, dashing into the end zone for a touchdown and push for the two-point conversion.
McKenzie led Florala 16-6 with 7:34 on the clock in the first quarter.
The Wildcats wind up and sent a long pass sailing deep down field for completed pass. Florala scored and closed in closer to the Tigers only trailing 16-14 with 5:32 left in the first quarter.
The Tigers put pressure on the quarterback forcing a fumble which McKenzie recovered setting the Tigers up for good field position in the red zone.
Jackson dashed across the end zone and scored again for the Tigers. McKenzie led Florala 24-14 with 38 seconds left to play in the first quarter.
Florala opened the second quarter with failed momentum as Tiger Malachi Tolbert blocked a punt and recovered for a McKenzie possession.
The Tigers capitalized on the recovery and scored for yet another Tiger touchdown. With 8:53 on the clock in the second quarter, McKenzie led 32-14.
The Wildcats found the path briefly and closed the leader gap 40-28 but could not catch up to McKenzie.
Tiger Ryder Odom grabbed a long pass from the air with 29 seconds left in the first half. Tiger Lajayvius Crittenden then pushed past the Wildcat defense for a completed two-point conversion.
McKenzie dominated the first half with a 48-28 lead at halftime.
Despite adjustments by Florala following the first half, Tolbert recovered another forced fumble by Tiger Ethan Johnson on the 25-yardline with 5:56 on the clock in the third quarter.
Tiger Braden Huckaba sacked the Wildcat quarterback and Florala was unable to recover. The Tigers claimed the victory.
McKenzie will host 1-4 J.F. Shields this Friday night for homecoming with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
