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THS upends defending champ, play rivals next

By Gary Buchanan

Tallassee’s first ever meeting with the Leeds ended with the Tigers handing the No. 5 Greenwave their third loss of the season.  The 26-13 victory improved Tallassee’s record to 6-3 overall, 4-2 in region play. 

The opening kickoff was muffed by Leeds and recovered by Brady Hancock.  Tallassee converted that turnover into points when Casey Baynes scored on a five yard touchdown run. A missed extra point left the score 6-0.  Leeds answered with a scoring drive of its own as Zach Roberts ran it in from one yard out.  The first quarter ended with the Greenwave on top 7-6.

Baynes added a 30-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.  The two-point conversion try failed.  The score at the half had the visiting Tigers leading 12-7.

Leeds struck first in the second half, as Roberts hit Brandon Franklin on a 46-yard touchdown pass.  The extra point try failed, and the Greenwave led 13-12.  Tallassee responded with a three yard touchdown run by Markevious Matthews. Another failed extra point try left Tallassee leading 18-13 going into the fourth quarter.

Tallassee took control in the final period. Trent Cochran-Gill scored on an 11-yard run for the final touchdown of the night.  Baynes added a two-point conversion, making the final score 26-13.

Tallassee’s offensive line paved the way to 245 yards on the ground. They also gave Baynes time to complete seven of eight passes for an additional 85 yards through the air.  The group of Jake Baker, Austin ‘Rooster’ Jones, Ethan Pugh, Caleb Stewart and Nick Talley collectively earned Bright House Networks Player of the Game Honors.

“Our offensive line blocked well and our defense made several stops,” said Coach Mike Battles. “Our coaches did a great job preparing and our kids did a great job executing tonight.  Leeds is a great program.  Anytime you come to Leeds and get a win you’ve done something.”

The win brings Tallassee one step closer to qualifying for the post-season. A win over Elmore County on Friday night will secure a playoff spot.

Tallassee will travel to Eclectic this Friday for the Tigers’ final regular season game.  Kickoff is at 7:00. 1300 WTLS/106.5 FM will broadcast live beginning at 6:00. Audio will be simulcast on Bright House Networks cable television channel 97. A video webcast will be available on Tallassee Times TV: www.tallasseetv.com.  The broadcast is also available through the Tune-In App and followed by the "Scoreboard Show" until 11:00 p.m.  

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