Tallassee's Caden Griffith and Brandon Barrow corral Sylacauga's Ashton Machen. Photos by Kyle Thornton.

Tigers win big on Senior Night

By Michael Butler

It was over shortly after it got started. Tallassee jumped out to a 21-0 first-quarter lead and led 41-0 at the half on its way to a 47-14 victory over Sylacauga on Senior Night.

"We knew we wanted to start fast," THS head coach Mike Battles said. "The defense has played lights out all year."

The Tallassee defense held Sylacauga to 103 total yards. The Aggies broke the shutout with a couple of fourth quarter scoop and score fumble recoreries. By then, the junior varsity Tigers, who completed their season on Monday, had played the majority of the second half.

"We got to play everybody," said Battles. "The young kids got to get a few reps which means a lot."

Four different Tallassee players scored as the Tigers racked up 413 yards on offense.

Lil' Josh Griffin, who rushed for a career high 218 yards against Valley a week before, left the game in the first quarter with an injury. Senior DJ Leonard picked up the slack with 150 yards on 10 carries and three touchdowns.

Tyler Ellis had six runs for 77 yards and a TD. James Bender added a 57-yard score on a single carry. Cade Everson scored on both of his touches of 34 and 9 yards.

Trevarious Langford and Jaden McKenzie each had an interception.

DJ Leonard celebrates with his teammates after another score

12 seniors on the Tallassee squad played their last regular season game at J. E. "Hot" O'Brien Stadium on Friday.

"You don't know how the playoffs are going to go," Battles added. "If it turned out that this is the last game at home it's a good way to go out, but hopefully we'll get back here to play again."

Tallassee (5-4) has an off week before wrapping up the regular season at Holtville on Oct. 28. The first-round playoff game will be at Selma the following week.

"There's still a little football left to play," Battles concluded. "We're back now in the winning column. I'm proud of the kids."

*View Photos by Kyle Thornton