By Daniel Rigdon / sports writer
West Lauderdale's season came to an abrupt end Friday night in Collinsville as Forrest County AHS handed the Knights a 40-21 thrashing.
"They are not your typical four seed," said West coach Glen Sanders. "They are a very good football team and we knew that coming in."
Defense dominated the first quarter of play as neither team was able to score. However, Forrest County was able to find some momentum as it converted a fourth down on a fake punt. The Aggies proceeded to march down the field and Markeyus Johnson capped off the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run.
West would muff the ensuing kickoff setting up Forrest County in Knight territory. The Aggies capitalized on the turnover on the next play as Forrest County quarterback Riley Brown found Isaiah Jackson in the end zone on a 41-touchdown pass. Brown would again find Jackson for a 39-yard touchdown pass on the Aggies' next drive putting them up 21-0. Jackson also had two interceptions on the night.
The Knights were finally able to get on the board when West quarterback Nate Hodges hit Dennis Lewis for a touchdown with four seconds left in the half.
Both teams got off to quick starts in the second half with each team scoring on its first possession. Johnson broke out a 29-yard run for his second touchdown of the game as Forrest County extended its lead to 27-7.
West answered right back as the Knights marched 54 yards in six plays that ended with a 15-yard touchdown strike from Hodges to David Lott. West's two-point conversion attempt would fail as the score heading into the fourth quarter was Forrest County 27-13.
After forcing a three-and-out to begin the fourth, West looked to be in business. However, on first down Hodges was picked off to set up a first-and-goal for the Aggies. They would capitalize two plays later as Brown ran it in to put Forrest County up 33-13. Hodges had four interceptions on the night.
West would add one more score as Robert Sillimon woud rush for a score late in the fourth.
"I'm really proud of our guys and they never quit," added Sanders. "We had opportunities offensively and didn't capitalize. It's a tough way to end a season."
The Knights finished the season 9-3.
