Following a loss in its season opener, South Pittsburg adjusted during the week and won 40-6 over Sequatchie County on Friday in a game between state-ranked teams.
After trailing early, South Pittsburg, ranked No. 2 in TSSAA Class 1A, scored on its first three drives and maintained control against Class 3A’s second-ranked Sequatchie County in the second half.
Hunter Minton scored Sequatchie County’s only touchdown with a 3-yard run at the start of the game.
Dayon Cooper contributed 162 total yards and two touchdowns for South Pittsburg, while quarterback Caden Jones completed six passes out of nine attempts for 159 yards.
South Pittsburg finished with 361 total offensive yards compared to the Indians’ 161.
This week, South Pittsburg (2-1) will host Brainerd (0-2), and Sequatchie County (2-1) will play at Marion County (3-0).
Trailing by three points entering the fourth quarter, Marion mounted a successful comeback to defeat their county rival, the Whitwell Tigers, 20-0 in the final period. Two pivotal defensive touchdowns fueled this turnaround. Brett Webb initiated the rally with an 85-yard fumble return, shifting momentum.
Then Mason Mays added a 10-yard rushing touchdown, which gave Class 2A top-ranked Marion a 10-point advantage. Quincy Mills secured the win with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown, solidifying the reigning state Class 2A champions’ win over the 1A Tigers, 34-17.
Webb contributed 91 passing yards, while Mays led Marion with 88 rushing yards on 10 carries. Ashton Martin also added 63 rushing yards on seven attempts and registered two sacks on defense. For the Tigers, Adam McDougal accumulated 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Overall, Marion outgained Whitwell 272 to 228 in total yardage, with the Warriors recording 199 yards on the ground.
The Warriors (3-0) will host Sequatchie County (2-1) on Friday, and Whitwell (0-3) plays at home against (3-0) Grundy County.
Other Scores:
Bledsoe County 20, Oneida 14
Grundy County 57, Lookout Valley 0
North Jackson, AL 40 Madison County, AL 28
