Chase Chumley Photos by Kyle Thornton

Tigers dominate Ashford, now on to quarters

By Michael Butler

Tallassee broke open a tight game at halftime with a second-half surge against Ashford on Friday. The Tigers won 40-14 punching their ticket to the third round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

"It feels good to be playing," said THS head coach L.A. O'Neal. "Half of the teams are going home today."

Tallassee (9-2) is into the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016 and for just the fifth time in program history. The eighth straight win is the longest streak since the 1999 season.

"They came down on the opening drive and drove it down," said O'Neal, "but we made adjustments. (The) defense got another defensive touchdown. Should've been two. Got a holding call on the second pick. That was big for the momentum."

Chase Chumley had a pick six on one interception, while another was called back. He also had a touchdown reception.

Tallassee scored on its opening possession with a four-yard run by Tiny Green, but Ashford answered with a TD by Jay Ragland on the opening drive as well. The Tigers led 14-7 at the half after Jaiden Gordon's 37 yard pitch-pass from Trent Morris.

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Rush Wright covered up a live ball at the Yellow Jackets 10. Two plays later, Morris connected with Chumley. On the next Ashford possession, Chumley leapt at the line of scrimmage snagging a Coy Paramore pass. 73 yards later, he was in the endzone celebrating with his teammates.

Jordan King and Cortland Roberts added fourth quarter touchdowns. Jaiden McKenzie made it consecutive weeks with an interception as well.

Jaiden Gordon

Now, Class 4A's No. 1 team awaits. Jackson (11-1) has outscored its first two post-season opponents by a combined 106-0 and features two of the state's premier players in quarterback Landon Duckworth and running back EJ Crowell.

It is a familiar foe for O'Neal. His Booker T. Washington squad beat the Aggies in the third round last year 20-17, handing them their only loss of the season.

"With a real good team like that, you don't get a lot of opportunities, so we've got to make sure we make the most of each opportunity."

Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. on Friday. WTLS - Score 94.7/Hit 106.9 will have live coverage from Jackson. Air time will be at 6 with audio streaming on www.1300wtls.com.

*Photos by Kyle Thornton

GAME STATS
Ashford vs. Tallassee Football
11/15/24, 7:00 PM
Regular Season