The Mendenhall Tigers fourth quarter shutout streak came to an end, but the more important win streak continues. The Tigers traveled to West Lauderdale to take on the Knights in what many believed to be the District Championship game. The Tigers had not defeated the Knights in the past two seasons. Coach Chuckie Allen reminded his team of this fact before they began their week of practice. Both teams entered the game with an undefeated district record.
Tigers starting quarterback Christian Allen was allegedly battling an injury and his status questionable, but he did start the game. The Knights won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Tigers opening drive did not result in points. The Knights however were able to methodically drive down the field to start the game. On 4th and 25 the Knights were able to complete a pass over the middle for a touchdown. The extra point was no good and the Knights took a 6-0 lead. Another failed offensive series followed for the Tigers.
The Knights took over on the Tigers 42 yard line, but fail to convert on fourth down near the Tiger 25 yard line. Zadarious Duckworth takes over for Christian Allen at quarterback and the Tigers appear to go three and out. A fake punt goes for a big gain and sets up a Jordan Willis touchdown on the next play. Willis was good on the two point conversion attempt after leaping over his offensive line. West Lauderdale was pinned near their end zone and was unable to answer on their next drive.
Tavaris Grace got a clean release on the Knights punt attempt and was able to block it into the end zone. Jarquez Dixon recovered the ball for a touchdown. Joh Freels converted the extra point. The Tigers defense was playing aggressive football, and forced another three and out. An offensive fumble gave the Knights good field position, and they began their drive on the 48 yard line. The teams would go on to trade interceptions before West Lauderdale scored on a long run to end the first half. The Tigers led 15-13 to start the second half.
Zykiel Woodard lined up at quarterback in the second half, and was effective running the ball, but the drive ended with an incomplete pass. Defensively the Tigers continued to dominate and forced another three and out. With the Tigers passing game ineffective without a healthy Christian Allen, Jordan Willis stepped up like he has all year. Willis ripped the Knights for a long run before being brought down near the goal line. On the next play he plunged ahead for a touchdown. A rare miss by Josh Freels on the extra point made the score 21-13.
The Knights respond with a nice offensive drive that ends with 8 points. The game was tied 21-21 entering the fourth quarter. The Tigers have exceled in the fourth quarter all season. The teams exchange punts to start the fourth quarter. Willis with a great understanding of what was at stake took over the ball game. It took two fourth down conversions on the Tigers next offensive drive to set up a Willis touchdown. The Tigers held the lead briefly. West Lauderdale responds with a touchdown drive. For the second time in the game the teams swap turnovers.
With 2:37 left to play Woodard was able to complete a pass to Dee Newsome for a big gain. Willis rushed for a first down. Facing fourth and four it was Willis who rushed for the go ahead touchdown. The extra point was no good. Only 55 seconds left to play, the Knights on offense. Tavaris Grace iced the game with a pick six which led to the final score of 41-28. The Tigers won a barnburner and proved to everyone that this team is for real. The team managed to score 41 points with their quarterback unbale to throw the ball. With this win they are clear favorites to win their division and have an optimum road to their ultimate goal, a State Championship.
Thanks to Jack Jinkins for assisting with play by play.
