Tigers filling the point of attack and stopping the Bulldogs’ progress Friday night, October 20, at Cooper Field are from left, Landon Curtis, Tavo Sanchez, Duron Robinson, Corey Mullins, Jared Robison and Jake Stagner. (photo by Bobby Malone) |
Tigers Win Close One Over Priceville; Secure Playoff Berth
by Dwight Turner
Fans of great defensive football were in hog heaven last Friday night as the home standing Ardmore Tigers entertained regional rival Priceville at Jim Cooper Field. Both teams exhibited strong defensive play and, although the defenses bent, they rarely broke.
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The score was 0-0 at halftime. Ardmore scored a fourth quarter touchdown when quarterback Elijah Barnes rambled in to the end zone from one yard out. Jarrod Mullins booted the extra point to put Ardmore up 7-0 with 9:54 left to play. Priceville scored late in the final period when quarterback Jason Hamilton hit tailback Trevor Maxwell with a 13-yard touchdown strike. Drama filled the stands when Priceville chose to go for a two-point conversion and the win. The Tigers will continue their march to the post-season this Friday night when Ardmore plays host to DAR. Friday’s game will be the last home game of the season. Kickoff is slated for 7 PM. Tiger defensive back Duron Robinson broke through two Bulldog blockers and hauled down the Priceville ball carrier to seal the win for the Tigers. Robinson’s heroics was just one of several outstanding defensive plays made by Ardmore during the game. |
Tiger defender Duron Robinson runs over Priceville’s # (54) to make a tackle in the Priceville backfield ending a two point conversion attempt and securing the game for the Tigers. (photo by Bobby Malone) |
The win improves Ardmore’s overall season record to 6-2 and ran the Tigers’ regional mark to 4-2. With Friday night’s win, the Tigers have secured a slot in the Class 4A, Region 7 playoffs.
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Neither team was able to score through the first three quarters of play. Turnovers ended two Ardmore drives and several Bulldog drives stalled out as well. During the third quarter, Priceville executed a slow, methodical march down the field that ran six-and-a-half minutes off the clock. Ardmore saw the punt downed at its own five yard-line and marched the ball downfield on a well-executed drive. After three Tiger first downs moved the ball out to the Tiger 37, Barnes hit tight end Jake Stagner with a 15-yard completion, giving the Tigers a first and ten at the Priceville 48. The 95-yard, 14-play drive resulted in Barnes one-yard touchdown run. |
Tiger fullback Landon Curtis (44) center with ball, drives through several Bulldogs for yardage with teammates from left, Duron Robinson, Kyle Smith (56), Randy Toone (68) and Derrick Green (1) in on the play. (photo by Bobby Malone) |