News Sports Opinion Photos Social Classified Obits Contact
 
 
 
Marciano Smith (left) and Jalyn Daniels. Daniels ran for a career-high 221 yards on Friday.

Turnovers cost THS in region opener

By Michael Butler

Tallassee could not overcome four turnovers in a 41-21 loss to Sylacauga on Senior Night Friday. It was the region opener for the Tigers who fell to 0-3 overall, their worst start since 2011.

Just halfway through the first quarter after Sylacauga scored the game's first touchdown, lightning struck with the Aggies ahead 6-0. After a one hour and forty minute lightning delay, play resumed shortly after 9 p.m.

Tallassee answered with back-to-back scores by Jalyn Daniels, who finished the night with all three THS TDs and a career high in rushing yards, a feat he reached in the previous game with Wetumpka. Daniels ran it 30 times for 221 yards.

The Tigers' first turnover turned into an 69-yard scoop and score for Christian Tywman giving Sylacauga a 21-14 halftime lead. Early in the third an interception became an 80-yard pick six for Maleek Pope to stretch the lead to 28-14.

At the end of a long night which wrapped at O'Brien Stadium a little before midnight, Tallassee coach Mike Battles was left scratching his head.

"I don’t know if we’ve got the right 11 out there," Battles said. "We are going to evaluate the film and hopefully get this thing back on the right track."

The 0-3 start has happened just one other time in Battles' 24-year head coaching career dating back to 1999 at Oak Grove.

Tallassee ran for 336 yards and led the Aggies in total yardage 384-347. The Tigers also nearly doubled Sylacauga in time of possession 29:09 to 16:12.

Rival Elmore County (1-3/0-2) awaits on Friday as Tallassee (0-3/0-1) continues region play. The Panthers lost to Central of Clay County 55-6 last week.

Burt-Haynie Field will have limited seating for visiting fans. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. 1300 WTLS/106.5 FM will broadcast live at 6 p.m. with the simulcast on the TuneIn app. Live video streaming will be on Tallassee Times TV through YouTube and Spectrum Channel 340.

View Photos by Kyle Thornton.