Fourth Quarter Comeback Defeats West Jeff

By: Staff Writer

Hahnville came into Friday night’s game having beaten West Jefferson once already this season. The first game was in week 7, when the Tigers won 12-7. The Tigers also beat the Buccaneers last year 24-21 in the second round of the playoffs. Friday’s game would be another close contest between these two district rivals. The Tigers received the opening kickoff and put together a very impressive drive. The Tigers marched 67 yards down the field on 11 plays. The drive was cut short when quarterback Early James threw an interception on the West Jeff 10-yard line. The Tiger defense held the Bucs in check and forced a punt with 3:52 left in the first quarter. Kentrell Lockett broke throw the line and blocked the punt attempt. The ball was scooped up by Ivory Washington and taken in for a 34-yard touchdown run. The PAT was good and the Tigers led 7-0.

The Bucs answered with 10:17 left in the second with an 8-yard touchdown run by Martin. The PAT was no good and the Tigers held on to a 7-6 lead. The Tigers would get back onto the board with a 41-yard field goal by Broach with 4:36 left in the half to extend the lead to 10-6. West Jeff controlled the ball for the rest of the half putting together a 13 play, 80-yard touchdown drive. The drive was capped off with a 5-yard touchdown run by Robinson with 18 seconds left in the half. The PAT was no good and the Bucs took a 12-10 lead to the half.

The Tiger offense went cold at the start of the second half. The Buccaneer defense held the Tigers scoreless in the third quarter. The Buccaneer offense scored on a huge 77-yard touchdown pass to Robinson with 6:05 left in the third. The PAT was good and the Buc lead was extended to 19-10.

The Tiger offense got the ball to start the final quarter. Early James led the Tigers on a 12 play, 71 yard touchdown drive. James connected with Brian Singleton for an amazing 43-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone. The PAT was good and the Tigers regained the momentum and cut the lead to 19-17. The Tiger defense would step up and shut down the West Jeff offense. The defense forced West Jeff to go three and out and punt to the Tigers. The Tigers’ offense started on their own 37-yard line with 6:52 remaining in the game. Ten plays later with 1:15 left on the clock the Tigers lined up for a 21-yard field goal to take the lead. Broach split the uprights and gave the Tigers a one point lead. The defense would hold and Hahnville held on for a 20-19 victory. The Tigers will play Slidell at home in a rematch of last year’s quarterfinals when they were upset 14-13.