October 14, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb County Tigers held off the Smith County Owls 28-24 Friday night in a non-region showdown between these border rivals in Smithville.
With the game on the line and time winding down, the Owls tried to convert a 4th and goal at the Tiger 5 yard line but after catching a pass from Quarterback Cameron Spivey, Smith County’s John Ross Hord was stopped for no gain by DeKalb County’s Antwon McCoy preserving the Tiger’s lead and sealing the 28-24 victory.
DeKalb County improves to 4-4 on the season while Smith County slips to 4-3.
After a Tiger fumble on the DC 8 yard line early in the 1st period, the Owls cashed in on a 1 yard touchdown run by Hord with 7:04 left in the quarter. John Broyles connected on the PAT and Smith County led 7-0.
DeKalb County answered on an 18 yard touchdown run by Nathaniel Crook with 5:15 left in the 1st period capping a 70 yard drive. Alan Munoz converted the PAT and the game was tied 7-7.
The Owls reclaimed the lead with 2:23 left in the 1st period on an 8 yard touchdown run by Spivey. Broyles added the extra point for a 14-7 Smith County advantage.
Tiger quarterback Axel Aldino found Evan Jones on an 8 yard touchdown pass with 2.6 seconds left in the 1st period. Munoz tacked on the extra point and the game was tied 14-14.
After the Owls fumbled at their own 36 yard line, the Tigers made them pay on the next play to start the 3rd period as Aldino hooked up with Isaac Knowles for a 36 yard touchdown pass. Munoz split the uprights on the PAT and DeKalb County took the lead 21-14.
Smith County tied the game with 8:38 left in the 3rd period on a 1 yard touchdown run by Spivey completing an 81 yard drive. The PAT by Broyles was good and the score was 21-21.
The Owls went back out front 24-21 with 8:20 left in the 4th period on a 27 yard field goal Broyles.
The Tigers found pay dirt one last time which proved to be the game winner as Aldino scored on a 4 yard quarterback keeper with 4:09 left in the game completing a 67 yard drive. Munoz added the extra point and DeKalb County went on to claim a 28-24 victory.
DeKalb County will host region foe Macon County next Friday night, October 18. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. and WJLE will have LIVE coverage.
Region Standings:
*Livingston Academy: 8-0 (3-0)
*Macon County: 4-3 (2-0)
*DeKalb County: 4-4 (1-1)
*Stone Memorial: 1-6 (0-3)
*Cumberland County: 0-7 (0-2)