Cade Everson had over 200 all-purpose yards and four TDs. Photos by Kyle Thornton

Tallassee routs Selma in first round

By Michael Butler

Tallassee had never played Selma in a high school football game. After Tallassee's 49-16 win at Selma's Memorial Stadium, the Saints probably hope they never play again.

The Tigers scored touchdowns on thier first five possessions against a Selma defense that was allowing just 14.6 points per game.

Tyler Ellis hit Luke Burdette on a four-yard reverse pass to give Tallassee the early 7-0 lead. It was the first of four touchdown passes for Ellis on the night. He also added a scoring run.

Ellis connected with Cade Everson on a 77-yard bomb to make it 14-0. Everson had four scores on the night, two receptions and two runs. He also had an interception on defense.

"I told them we need to come out and play fast," Talllassee head coach Mike Battles said. "We had some guys make some great plays tonight."

It looked like the game may become a track meet after Selma traded touchdowns to draw within four at 20-16 in the second quarter, but it would be all the points the Saints would score. Tallassee went on a 29-0 run for the remainder of the game.

"They've got some really good athletes over there," said Battles. "After those two drives we started to play a little bit better defense, tackle a little bit better. But offense - we blocked. Our kids ran hard. We didn't turn the ball over any."

The Tigers, who have now won five straight, compiled 454 yards of total offense to just 177 for Selma. It was the third straight game gaining over 400 yards and keeping the opponent under 200.

Ellis was 8-of-10 with 203 yards. Everson topped 100 yards in rushing and receiving with 11 carries for 110 yards and 3 receptions for 115. DJ Leonard had 9 rushes for 74 yards and touchdown catch of 9 yards.

Tallassee (7-4) returns home for the second round of the state playoffs to face Charles Henderson (9-1) on Friday, Nov 11 at 7 p.m. Score 94.7/Hit 106.9 will have live coverage beginning at 6. Audio streaming is available at: www.1300wtls.com with an audio simulcast on Spectrum Cable Channel 340. Video streaming is not permitted.

*Photos by Kyle Thornton