Trent Cochran-Gill finds the endzone for the Tigers' first score. Photo by Kyle Thornton

Tigers lose big lead, game against Trojans

By Gary Buchanan

Charles Henderson dealt Tallassee a heartbreaking loss on Senior Night at “Hot” O’Brien Stadium on Friday. The Trojans came back from a 21-6 halftime deficit to defeat Tallassee 34-28 in overtime. The loss dropped the Tigers to 5-3 overall, 3-2 in region play.

Tallassee dominated the first half in a game that was a tale of two halves. Trent Cochran-Gill got the Tigers started with a 30-yard blocked punt return for a touchdown. Kalvin Levett added a 12-yard touchdown run. Later, Cochran-Gill connected with Tavarious Griffin on a 47-yard reverse touchdown pass to give the Tigers a 21-6 lead at the half.

Two turnovers to start the third quarter proved costly for Tallassee. The first led to a 9-yard touchdown pass for Charles Henderson. The second saw the ball stripped away from a Tallassee runner and carried in for a 13-yard score. Even with those mistakes, the third quarter ended with Tallassee still leading 28-19.

The Trojans did all the scoring in the fourth quarter. First, Caleb Guice hit a 33-yard field goal. Then Pooka Jones hit Sean McKinney with a 57-yard touchdown pass. That reception was McKinney’s third touchdown catch of the night. The subsequent extra point was missed, sending the game into overtime.

Charles Henderson scored a touchdown on the first play of the extra period. The extra point was missed again. Tallassee was not able to answer, and the game was over.

“We turned the ball over a couple of times,” said a disappointed Coach Mike Battles. “My hat is off to Charles Henderson. They played hard and made plays in the second half and we didn’t.”

Everett Joiner parachutes in with the game ball. Photo by Kyle Thornton

Griffin caught six passes for 169 yards, including the 47-yard touchdown reception. His performance earned him the Spectrum Player of the Game.

Tallassee heads to Beauregard for the final region game of the year Friday night. Kickoff for that game is set for 7:00 p.m. 1300 WTLS/106.5 FM will broadcast live beginning at 6. The game will be simulcast on Spectrum Channel 97 with audio streaming on the TuneIn app. Beauregard does not permit video streaming.

*See more Photos by Kyle Thorton.

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